Physics

FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN PHYSICS GRAD BUILDS 'BRIDGE' TO COLLEGE

by Amy Lombardo

Staff Editor

Bob Cole is not the average college graduate.
When he left UM-St. Louis in 1971 he took with him a bachelor's of science in physics, and the distinct honor of being the first African-American to gain a physics degree from the school.
"At the time I didn't know that I would be the only one for so long," Cole said. "Later on, in the 1980's, I found out that I had been the only one and that was one thing that inspired me to work with African-American children."
Cole grew up on the north side of St. Louis, graduating from Sumner High school. His godfather was a mathematician, so Cole was somewhat exposed to math early on. For the most part, however, he was exploring new territory from his family environment by pursuing science and mathematics.
"I blazed a trail. I'd always wanted to be a scientist, I just didn't know what kind," Cole said. "I grew up in the middle of the space age and that fueled my desire."
After high school, Cole attended Harris-Stowe State College. It was there that a professor handed him research on some of Einstein's theories. From then on, Cole was hooked on physics.
"Since I put myself through school, I could not afford to go to Washington University or St. Louis University. UM-St. Louis was a place that could offer me a degree in physics, and it was close," Cole said. "Once I came [to UM-St. Louis], I found that the staff was just as good or maybe even better."
Cole was inspired by professor Peter Handel and professor Bob Henson, both of whom continue to teach at UM-St. Louis in physics and astronomy. He related to their methods and to their ability theorize.
After graduation, Cole experimented in many different areas of his career field. At McDonnell Douglas he was part of the team of physicists who developed black tile for the heat shield of the Space Shuttle, allowing the craft to be reused. Next he went to IBM where he spent time "getting into everything" in the computer systems. At Southwestern Bell and AT&T he implemented data for communications networks. His job at Perkin-Elmer gave him the opportunity to work with super mini-computers. Finally, he took a job at Xerox. In the early to middle 1980's, Cole became involved in education. He became aware of the need as a concerned citizen and through various relationships within the school system.
"I know what it took to help children stay within the school," Cole said. Cole began tutoring mathematics to high school seniors to assist them in the transition to college level material through the Bridge program at UM-St. Louis.
"One of my main goals is to establish alliances between the university and the external people in the community," Cole said, "in order to leverage students and promote the university."
Along with his work on Bridge, Cole is a chairman of RISE (Regional Institute for Science Education), a committee member on the Chancellor's Board for Science and Technology, former secretary for the Association of Black Scientists, a commissioner of the Investigative Learning Center, and he works with the Engelman Institute. Cole is a man whose actions speak for themselves. He believes in getting involved and making a difference. He is constantly trying to improve and challenge himself. He thinks that the more mathematics a person learns, the better.
"The reasoning process and the ability to think critically is honed by math and science," Cole said.
He gives a piece of advice to students who want to have an edge in today's world.
"Take far more math than is required at the high school level, be willing to assist those who are less fortunate, and work like hell."