Dr. Earl Lester Cole devoted his entire professional career to Grambling State University for nearly half a century and contributed significantly to the growth of the Grambling community. He began at Grambling in 1936 as a science teacher, became dean in 1946, and was appointed vice president in 1969. He was the last administrator hired by Charles P Adams. Affectionately known as “Dean Cole” even after becoming vice president, he played an active role in implementing curriculum that became the basis for current academic offerings. He was regarded as a true professional, a good administrator, and an outstanding man. Beyond the university, he helped spearhead the first voter registration drive in Lincoln Parish and invested in and helped organize many Grambling businesses. His legacy lives on in the Earl Lester Cole Honors College.