Rick Cole Position: Director of Athletics Institution: Dowling College

As athletics director of Dowling College, Rick Cole, Jr.'s mission is to help shape future leaders. In implementing that mission, Cole has instilled in each student-athlete the idea of serving as role models to other students, athletically, academically and in the community.

Cole has implemented a fully integrated life skills program to better prepare student-athletes for life after college. This program educates them on the importance of networking, how to conduct an effective career search, interview skills and resume writing among others.

In just two years at the helm he has added varsity women's soccer and has played a major role in the renovations of the Curtin Student Center. He is also involved in Dowling's plans for a new $25 million Student Activity/Athletics Center featuring a 2,500-seat gymnasium, softball and baseball complex, as well as three multi-purpose outdoor turf fields.

In addition, Cole has re-branded the marks and logos of the department, re-designed the department web site, secured an exclusive buying contract with an apparel company, established a corporate sponsorship program, and developed a plan for an annual campaign for athletics to raise the funds necessary to meet the unmet costs of the department.

Cole also sits on various industry-wide committees, including the New York Collegiate Athletic Conference (NYCAC) Volleyball and Reformulation Committee and the NCAA National Lacrosse Committee.

Prior to Dowling, Cole served as senior associate athletics director for external affairs at St. John's and was the associate athletics director for external affairs and advancement at Stony Brook.

Cole received his bachelor's degree in 1992 and master's degree in education in 1994, both from the State University at Buffalo. He currently resides in Oakdale with his wife Brooke and three children Taylor (7), Mackenzie (5), and Trey (4).