Dr. Donald R. Cole currently serves as Assistant Provost for Multi-Cultural Affairs, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Professor of Mathematics at The University of Mississippi. He is a Co-Principal Investigator for the Alliance for Graduate Education in Mississippi.  

Believing that education is the “great equalizer” and the central feature in the prevailing endurance of mankind, Dr. Cole is the author of several grants, is a frequent speaker, and a is stern advocate for “pipeline” educational issues, particularly for minority students.

Dr. Cole plays an active leadership role in policy making, teaching, research, and diversification at the University. Convinced that the University of Mississippi is in a prime position to lead the nation in these efforts, he devotes much of his time and energy to projects and causes that promote schooling, teaching, training and mentoring opportunities – particularly for those desiring advanced  degrees.

Dr. Cole is the recipient of the following degrees: a Ph. D. in Mathematics (1985) from the University of Mississippi; a M.A. in Mathematics (1977) from State University of New York; a M.A. in Applied Mathematics (1974) from University of Michigan; and a B.S. in Mathematics/Physics (1972) from Tougaloo College.