Tiger Heritage Spotlight:
Arnold A. Cole BS '74

Arnold Cole BS ’74 joined the Federal Air Marshal Service in October 2003 as the Deputy Assistant Director for the Office of Field Operations in Headquarters. In December 2003, he took over the responsibilities as Deputy Assistant Director for the Western Field Offices. Mr. Cole assumed the position as Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office in February 2006. After serving for 43 years, Mr. Cole retired from government service June 2018.

Arnold credits his RIT student experience with laying the groundwork for his chosen path in law enforcement. 

What led you to RIT?

Coach Bill Carey, from Dutchess Community College, recruited me to play basketball at RIT. 

What about college were you least prepared for?

Coming from Brooklyn, NY, where the diversity of cultures and races and ethnicities was the norm, coming to upstate New York to a college campus that was the complete opposite. I was not prepared for the lack of diversity. 

Who influenced you most during your time at RIT – friends/faculty? Staff?

Coach Bill Carey and the Athletic Department. Coach Carey was a very encouraging leader. He gave me an opportunity to be a team leader. Coach Carey believed in me and groomed me to be a leader on the basketball team. What he taught me was transferrable to my life in the classroom and in life... and work.

What led you to a career in law enforcement?

My uncle Edwin Woodruff, the first black FBI agent killed in the line of duty, heavily influenced my career path. I wanted to follow his footsteps. 

How did your education at RIT prepare you for what you're doing today?

RIT helped me understand that no matter the adversity; I can achieve what I set my mind to and prove my value. This was especially good lesson to learn for a person of color at a PWI who would be entering a non-diverse work force.

What classes were your favorites?

I did not have a “favorite” per se – each class brought its own unique perspective that added to my student experience. 

If a student is interested in following your career path, what are some classes/degrees that would be beneficial?

If an applicant’s resume came across my desk, I would definitely give those with a degree and/or background in Public Administration a second look. Public Administration lets me know the applicant has a working knowledge of how government works. The fact that RIT requires its students (for most degrees) to leave with real work experience is an added bonus when a hiring managers are looking at stacks of resumes. Depending upon what job in the government you are seeking – cybersecurity, criminal justice, and forensic accounting are all helpful.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

After the unfortunate event of 911, I was appointed as the First Federal Security Director at BWI Airport. That appointment was pivotal to the growth of my career. One of the first things I accomplished was federalizing the TSA Force at BWI Airport in 2002.

What is your favorite RIT memory? 

Meeting my wife of 50 years, fellow alumna, Anneka Cole.