Jeff Cole

Background

About Jeff Cole

I currently lead strategic communication for the Office of the President at the University of Toledo, where I amplify the President’s voice, promote thought leadership, and elevate the Office’s visibility within the academic and community landscape. My role involves crafting strategic communications that support the University’s mission and foster meaningful engagement both internally and externally. Prior to this, I led the global public relations function at Dana Incorporated, a Fortune 500 leader in the mobility industry. I retired in 2024 after a 27-year career to care for an aging parent and a brother with special needs. At Dana, I led media relations, managed internal communications, directed crisis management, and oversaw community relations and corporate events. I also served as the primary spokesperson for the company and as Secretary and Administrator of the Dana Charitable Foundation. My passion for higher education and community service has been a constant throughout my career. I previously held positions at the University of Toledo as a development officer, admissions counselor, and educator, where I also earned the Lancelot Thompson Service to Students Award. I proudly served on UToledo’s Board of Trustees, chairing key committees and contributing to the university’s strategic vision. Previous to that, I served as a trustee of the UToledo Alumni Association. Beyond my professional roles, I am actively engaged in the Toledo community, serving on several boards. In addition to the UT Foundation, I lead the strategic planning committee for St. Francis de Sales School and am vice chair of the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium. I am also a past president of the Press Club of Toledo and have led numerous initiatives in public relations and media advocacy. I am committed to fostering growth, leadership, and communication excellence in all that I do, both in my career and in service to my community. Strengths include: • Media / Public Relations • Internal Communication • Copy Writing and Editing • Change Management • Crisis Management • Message Development / Mapping • Trade Show / Event Planning • Marketing Material Development • Website Content Development • Speech Writing • Executive Communication • Social Media Strategies • Leadership / Consensus Building Taught both entry-level and senior capstone courses at the university level, including: • Oral Communication • News Writing • Introduction to Public Relations • Public Relations Theory • Public Relations Practices • Crisis Communication Case Studies