ARKADELPHIA – Ouachita football alumnus and current instructor of kinesiology Graham Cole has been appointed the university's new faculty athletic representative.

Cole replaces Jim Rothwell, who served as Ouachita's FAR for 10 years and recently retired from the Hickingbotham School of Business after more than 45 years as a member of the faculty.

"Ouachita was fortunate to have Jim Rothwell for so long," said Director of Athletics David Sharp. "I can't express how thankful I am to him for his dedication and support for the university and specifically the athletics department. We congratulate him on a remarkable career and wish him well in his retirement."

Class of 2011 graduate Graham Cole returned to Ouachita in the summer of 2025 as instructor of kinesiology following a 14-year career as a secondary education teacher and coach in Texas, most recently in his hometown of Garland.

"Graham is a great fit for this position," said Sharp. "We're glad to have him back at Ouachita and looking forward to working with him closer moving forward."

Cole was a four-year letterman for the Tiger football team from 2007-2010, highlighted by a fumble return for a touchdown against Southern Arkansas as a freshman and a touchdown catch against Texas College as a senior.

"Having been a student-athlete at Ouachita and now serving as a faculty member, I've experienced firsthand the importance of connecting academic and athletic excellence," said Graham. "I'm honored to serve as faculty athletic representative and to bring both perspectives to a role focused on advocating for the academic success, well-being, and overall development of our student-athletes."

In addition to his bachelor's degree in biology and kinesiology from Ouachita, Cole also holds a master's degree in applied exercise science and sports performance training from Concordia University Chicago. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in strength and conditioning from Concordia University, St. Paul.

Cole is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, tactical strength and conditioning facilitator, and level one coach for USA Weightlifting. He and his wife, Christin, have two children, Molly and Rhett. Christin works at Ouachita as the communications project manager in the office of communications & marketing.