Rick Cole, Jr. was named the ninth director of athletics in Iona’s history on April 12. This announcement comes one month after current Athletic Director Eugene Marshall announced his resignation. Cole will take over on June 1.

Cole stated that his emphasis will be on the student-athletes. He envisions that they will be instilled with the tools for success, both in competition and in life.

“We are here to position these [student-athletes] for success, not only here, but we have a responsibility to ensure that they are prepared for success in all of their future endeavors,” Cole said.

Cole comes to Iona from Dowling College, a Division II school located in Oakdale, N.Y. He was the athletics director there for eight years.

During his tenure, Dowling athletics reached exceptional heights.

Cole oversaw the construction of a $12.5 million athletic site that is home to the soccer, lacrosse, baseball and softball teams.

This facility was finally made a reality after more than 40 years of delay. He also added three varsity sports to the Dowling athletics department.

The Dowling teams had continued success with Cole at the helm of the athletics department.

Women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, men’s lacrosse, men’s soccer and baseball all advanced to at least the Elite Eight in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Championships.

The men’s soccer and men’s lacrosse teams captured national championships in 2006 and 2012, respectively.

Prior to working at Dowling College, Cole worked at St. John’s University and Stony Brook University.

As the senior associate athletics director for external affairs at St. John’s, he solidified a multi-million dollar athletic equipment deal.

During his time at Stony Brook, he was instrumental in elevating the school from Division III to Division I.

“Rick Cole, Jr. is a proven leader in higher education athletics programs,” said Iona President Joseph E. Nyre. “[He] inspires and supports student-athletes, coaches and athletic administrators and understands and appreciates the distinctive Iona tradition.”

Cole acknowledged the tremendous fans, alumni, administration, staff and students who support the athletics program. He feels that they are an integral part of the Iona experience.

Cole expressed his optimism for the future.

“I’m excited to be a part of a program that has such a rich tradition and such a promising future,” he said. “We have a lot of success ahead of us, and it will not come without a lot of hard work, a lot of passion and a lot of support.”

Cole received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He and his wife Brooke have three children: Taylor age 14, Mackenzie age 12 and Trey age 11.