Curiosity and Solutions – An Engineer’s Journey

Andrea Byerly
Monday, March 11, 2024 12:00 AM
OneSource, Press Releases, Community, All

CLEVELAND, TN – A chemical engineer, process engineer, development engineer and manufacturing engineer, Mary Cole, an adjunct instructor at Cleveland State Community College, loves to make things, solve problems and learn new skills. According to Cole, the two most important qualities of a good engineer are “an insatiable curiosity and the ability to problem solve on the fly. There is a solution to every problem; you may not like the solution, but there is a solution.”

With a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University, Cole began her career at Texas Instruments, worked for Motorola and spent 14 years at Intel in Phoenix. Moving to California, Cole spent two years at Apple as an engineering manager.

When Apple downsized, Cole was part of the lay-offs. She had earned a master’s in material science and engineering from Case Western Reserve University, so she started teaching at DeVry University in California. While at DeVry, Cole earned a master’s in accounting. She became a business manager at DeVry, then a campus president and finally served as director of finance for seven locations.

Retiring in 2017, Cole and her husband moved to Chattanooga to be closer to family. She began tutoring in the Math Lab at Cleveland State in 2019. Now, she is an adjunct instructor in the Advanced Technologies Department and teaches specialized training courses in technical calculations and manufacturing processes for industry partners with the Workforce Development Department.

Cole said, “I love teaching the Workforce Development students because they are focused; they work; they have families, and they are committed. They don’t have to do this, but it will lead to incredible opportunities for them. I had a great career, and I’ve loved every job I’ve ever had. I can bring so much to my students because I worked in it.”

“The Workforce Development Department and our local industry partners are fortunate to have Mary Cole's expertise in the classroom,” said Heather Brown, Director of Workforce Development. “Her enthusiasm for both the subject matter and student is a dynamite combination. Mary has a genuine approach, gives her best effort each day, and in turn expects the same from her students. I am grateful that Mary gives of her time and skills to better our local workforce.”

An avid traveler, baker, weaver, sports fanatic and a cancer survivor, Cole and her husband of 42 years have two daughters. She says, “I am grateful every single day.”

For more information about Workforce Development specialized training opportunities, contact Heather Brown, Director of Workforce Development, hbrown@clevelandstatecc.edu or (423) 614-8793.