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Thomas W. Cole Jr.
Thomas W. Cole, Jr., the first president of Clark Atlanta University, served simultaneously as President of Atlanta University and Clark College shepherding the consolidation of the two schools in ...view moreThomas W. Cole, Jr., the first president of Clark Atlanta University, served simultaneously as President of Atlanta University and Clark College shepherding the consolidation of the two schools in 1988. He retired after 14 years of growth and prosperity at the University, more than doubling the enrollment, operating budget, endowment and improving and increasing facilities. During Dr. Cole’s tenure, Clark Atlanta became the largest of the United Negro College Fund institutions and was ranked the top 200 regional universities by U.S. News and World Report. Dr. Cole is a second generation college president. A graduate of Wiley College in 1961 when his father was president, he received the doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Chicago. His entire professional career of 36 years was spent in higher education, beginning at Atlanta University where he served as Callaway Professor and subsequently Provost. He also served as President of West Virginia State College and Chancellor of the West Virginia Board of Regents. He is the recipient of five honorary doctorate degrees and many honors for his service to the community. Following his retirement in 2002, he served as Interim Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Interim President of the Interdenominational Theological Center.view less