Robin Cole Jr.

Dr. Robin Cole Jr. is a senior higher education executive and nationally recognized workforce development leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing economic mobility through education, industry partnerships, and community-centered strategy. He currently serves as Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development and Career and Technical Education at Monroe Community College (MCC).

At MCC, Dr. Cole leads a comprehensive workforce and talent development portfolio encompassing credit and noncredit programs, career and technical education, industry training, and regional partnerships. He provides executive oversight for more than 200 staff, manages a $100+ million grant portfolio, and directs the 50,000-square-foot Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center, a regional hub connecting employers, learners, K–12 systems, and community organizations. Under his leadership, MCC’s workforce programs generate more than $3 million annually while expanding access to industry-aligned pathways for adult learners and historically underserved populations.

Previously, Dr. Cole served as Dean of Business and Technologies at Southwest Tennessee Community College, where he managed 16 academic programs, led multimillion-dollar budgets, and co-chaired the Greater Memphis Chamber’s UpSkill 901 regional talent initiative. His earlier roles include Vice Chancellor for Community Services at Louisiana Delta Community College and Dean of Career Education at Florida State College at Jacksonville, where he led large-scale workforce, IT, and adult education initiatives supported by federal and philanthropic funding.

Dr. Cole holds a Doctorate of Science in Information Systems and Communication and is a sought-after speaker and published author on workforce partnerships and regional economic development. He serves on numerous civic and workforce boards and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.