E. D. White Catholic High School is proud to honor Robert Townsend Cole., a 1996 graduate, as the 2026 Alumnus of the Year. Robert’s journey exemplifies the values of faith, education, and service instilled at Edward Douglas White Catholic High School, and his remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration to our community.
Dr. Robert Townsend Cole’s journey in medicine began long before he stepped into a hospital. It started at E.D. White, where he graduated in 1996. As Captain of the Boys Track and Cross-Country teams and President of the Key Club, he demonstrated early on the drive and leadership that would later define his career.
After leaving EDW, Dr. Cole continued his academic path at Rhodes College in Memphis, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology. His passion for science and service then led him to Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, where he graduated with honors. Over the next decade, he underwent extensive training in internal medicine, cardiology, and advanced heart failure/transplant cardiology—fields that demand precision, resilience, and deep compassion.
Dr. Cole is now board-certified in internal medicine, cardiology, echocardiography, and advanced heart failure and transplant medicine. His expertise has made him a nationally recognized leader in the treatment of advanced heart failure, heart transplantation, and the use of mechanical heart support devices such as LVADs. Across his career, he has held influential roles at well-respected institutions including Emory University, the Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, and the Piedmont Heart Institute.
In 2025, Dr. Cole joined the Inova Schar Heart and Vascular team in Virginia as Associate Director of Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation and Director of Cardiovascular Outreach. In these roles, he guides care for some of the sickest heart failure patients in the region, helping shape clinical programs and expand access to lifesaving therapies.
Research and innovation have been constant threads in Dr. Cole’s work. He has helped lead national clinical trials, contributed to international practice guidelines, and published widely on topics such as transplant rejection, heart failure treatment strategies, and racial disparities in transplant outcomes. His expertise has taken him around the world, presenting at major medical conferences and speaking at renowned institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and national VA medical centers.
Equally important to him is his passion for teaching and mentorship. Dr. Cole has received multiple awards for excellence in medical education and has dedicated significant time to training the next generation of cardiologists while serving on national committees focused on improving heart failure care.
Through all of his professional accomplishments, Dr. Cole’s focus remains steady and personal: to help patients facing the most advanced stages of heart disease live longer, healthier, and more vibrant lives.
Outside the hospital, his world revolves around his daughters, Zarina (11) and Cyra (9). He enjoys traveling with them and cheering on his favorite—if sometimes underperforming—sports teams.
2001- Dr. Richard Morvant, Sr. ‘40
2002- Br. Lee Barker ‘44
2003- Judge David Richard ‘63
2004- Troy Thompson, Jr. ‘51
2005- Sr. Dennis Rodrigue, O. Carm. ‘45
2006- Donald Peltier ‘43
2006- Dr. James Peltier ‘47
2007- Gibbens Robichaux ‘47
2008- Dr. William Schneider ‘58
2009- J. Alvin Badeaux, Jr. ‘58
2010- George H. Diedrich, III ‘61
2011- John Patrick Barrilleaux ‘57
2012- Kathleen Robichaux Broggi ‘60
2013- Dr. Chester Weimer ‘69
2014- Edmond Deramee ‘41
2015- Luke Ford, Jr. ‘52
2016- Camille Morvant, II ‘67
2018- Dr. Troy LeBlanc ‘86
2019- Jeff Prosperie ‘84
2020- Dr. Danielle Hemard Melton ‘88
2022- Mark Richard ‘79
2023- Fr. Josh Rodrigue ‘94
2024- Jerry P. Ledet, Jr. ’79
2025- Rob Lindley, Jr. ’04
Nominations are now open for the 2026 E. D. White Catholic High School Alumnus of the Year. This esteemed honor recognizes a graduate who embodies the values of the Sisters of Mount Carmel and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart while achieving success in the global community.
Nominee Qualifications
To be eligible for nomination, candidates must:
Be a graduate of Thibodaux College, Mount Carmel Academy, Thibodaux Central Catholic High School, or E. D. White Catholic High School
Exemplify the values of the Sisters of Mount Carmel and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart
Achieve success in the global community
Entry and Selection Process
Each nomination must include a completed nomination form with accurate details. There is no limit to the number of individuals one may nominate, but each nominee requires a separate form.
All submitted information will be reviewed confidentially by the E. D. White Advancement/Alumni Office. However, if a nominee is selected as Alumnus/Alumna of the Year, biographical details may be shared with local media.
Nominations are carefully evaluated each year by the Advancement/Alumni Office and school administration. Once submitted, nominee information remains on file for future consideration.
For those interested in nominating a deserving individual, please fill out and submit the official nomination form provided below. Further information can be obtained by contacting the E. D. White Advancement Office at 985-449-1859.
E. D. White Catholic High School encourages the community to participate in recognizing those who have made meaningful contributions and left a lasting impact on the school and beyond. This Alumnus of the Year award not only honors individual achievements but also celebrates the enduring spirit and legacy of the E. D. White community.
Honoring the Recipient
The name of the individual selected for the award will be announced each year in early December.
The individual will be honored and presented with an award at a school Mass to be held each year. The family and friends of the individual, as well as alumni and members of the general public, are invited to attend.