Cole, a native of Allentown, PA, was previously head baseball coach at the University of Pennsylvania (2005-2013) and Rowan University (1999-2005). He will join CNU's staff and serve as pitching coach.
"I've known John for the last 13 years and coached against him when he was at Rowan," Harvell said. "I've always had great respect for his programs. We are very fortunate to have a person with his experience joining our staff."
Cole was named the Big 5 Coach of the Year and won a division title for the first time in 12 seasons while leading Pennsylvania's baseball program. He led the Quakers to their highest win total in 14 seasons (22), and was recognized by the NCAA for outstanding graduation rates every year.
While at Rowan, Cole's squads went 229-73 for a winning percentage of 76 percent. His teams set the school record for wins three times, including a 42-win campaign in 2005. The Profs captured three conference titles in seven seasons, the first NJAC titles for the program since 1979.
Cole was also an assistant coach at William & Mary from 1992-1999, at Dartmouth from 1990-92, at DeSales College from 1988-1990, and at the University of North Carolina from 1986-88. He also was named the Interim Head Coach at William & Mary for a brief stint in 1997.
Cole graduated from Ithaca College in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, and earned his Master of Arts degree in Education from North Carolina in 1988.
