Professor of Geology Ron Cole Appointed Provost and Dean of Allegheny College

Feb. 27, 2015 – Professor of Geology Ron Cole has been appointed provost and dean of Allegheny College, effective July 1. Cole will succeed Linda DeMeritt, who has served as the college’s chief academic officer since 2003.

“Ron is a proven leader, a scholar of the first rank, an exceptional teacher and a mentor not only to students but to his colleagues on the faculty,” said President James H. Mullen Jr. “He is committed to the core values of our residential liberal arts community and has offered a compelling vision for our future that is grounded in academic rigor, shared governance and to insuring a diverse, inclusive campus environment. The totality of his experience — as well as his collegiality, openness and essential fairness — affords him a particularly strong preparation for his new role. He will be an outstanding provost and dean of the college.”

Cole currently chairs the college’s Finance and Facilities Committee and the Department of Geology and was elected by his colleagues to serve as moderator for faculty meetings. He has chaired both the college’s Faculty Review Committee, which makes recommendations to the president regarding promotion and tenure, and Faculty Council, which advises the president and provost in the development of general college policies. He has also served as a member of the college’s Diversity Task Force.

“Allegheny is among the nation’s best liberal arts colleges, and I am honored to have this new opportunity to work with the entire college community as we advance our mission of academic excellence,” Cole said. “We have an outstanding and dedicated faculty and I am proud to serve them in this new role.”

Cole, who graduated from Allegheny College in 1987, joined the college’s faculty in 1994. He earned his M.S. and his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester. He and his wife, Nancy Frambes, and their two children, Zach and Kelsey, live in Meadville.