Dr. Cole received a BA and MA in Psychology, as well as an EdD in Institutional Management from Pepperdine University. As a pioneer in the field of research, Dr. Cole has spent most of his professional life tracking trends of human behavior and developing programs that can actually help change negative behaviors.
For 18 years, Dr. Cole was founder and president of First Step & Cole Vocational in Redland, CA where he revolutionized the treatment of severely disturbed patients in mental health institutions, because of the research that his company had done. However, because of a medical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, he sold his business in 1998 and retired, planning to tour the world in his 60 foot yacht while he still had the capacity to do so.
During a storm that threatened to capsize his boat, Dr. Cole made a genuine profession of faith and a plea for his life. What happened next was astounding. He was saved from being shipwrecked, his faith was renewed and his mind was restored. After he returned from his trip, his medical checkup revealed that he no longer had Alzheimer’s.
He went on to serve as CEO of MegaVoice LLC, as well as Vice president of Development for Mission Aviation Fellowship. But for the last nine years he has served as the CEO of Back to the Bible (BttB) and Director of Research and Development for the Center for Bible Engagement (CBE). Dr. Cole is dedicated to the mission of leading people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ through daily Bible engagement. His skills in research have brought a dynamic change to the way BttB has and will do ministry in the future.
Dr. Cole is the co-author of Unstuck: Your Life, God’s Design, Real Change(Bethany House). Based on the analysis of more than 70,000 surveys, Unstuck reveals a spiritual growth plan that gives readers practical and proven ways to encounter Scripture daily, connect with God, and revitalize an otherwise listless faith.
Dr. Cole and his wife Char are the parents of adult children and reside outside of Lincoln, Nebraska, at Still Waters ranch, an equestrian center they use as a ministry to the community, as well as for their own enjoyment.