Dr. Steve Cole began his career in education at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (UA Cossatot) in 1997 as a member of the business faculty. Dr. Cole received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Henderson State University in 1987, his MBA from Texas A&M in 1997, and his Doctorate from Argosy University in 2013. Being Achieve – Global certified, Dr. Cole  also provides workforce and industry training through the UA Cossatot Workforce Development Center. He became Division Chair of Adult, Distance, and Secondary Vocational Education in 2001, Division Chair of Business in 2003, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Academics in 2007, and Chancellor of  UA Cossatot in 2010.  Steve has received International Teaching awards, was Region 6 President of the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and is a Master Presenter at the yearly National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) conference in Austin.

Steve’s political career began in 2005 with his appointment to the Arkansas Rural Development Commission where he served as Chair until December 2008. In 2009 Steve served in the 87th General Assembly as the State Representative for District 21. While a member of the State House of Representatives, Steve served on the Judiciary and City, County, and Local Government committees. Steve has also served as a member of the Arkansas State Review Board for Historic Preservation (Appointed by Governor Mike Beebe), and most recently is serving as Chair of the Sevier County Rural Development Authority and Chair of Sevier County Medical Center. Both Chairmanships allow Steve to pursue his other passions (besides education!), which is economic development and health care in rural Arkansas.

Steve is married to Leslie and has two daughters, Morgan and Maddi.  He calls Lockesburg home.