Dayton Thomas Cole, who served as Appalachian State University’s first and only chief legal officer for 30 years and counsel to five Appalachian chancellors, died on October 22, 2026, at age 72. Cole, a resident of Boone, had lived with multiple myeloma for nearly 20 years, passing away surrounded by his family and friends, according to his obituary from Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service.
Cole moved to Boone with his family in 1988, making it his beloved home. As University Attorney and then General Counsel at App State, he provided wise counsel to five Appalachian Chancellors, the Board of Trustees, and other institutional officers and clients. His leadership encompassed a broad legal practice touching all aspects of university governance, earning him respect from colleagues within the University of North Carolina System, university attorneys nationwide, and members of the local and state bars.
Following his retirement from Appalachian in 2018, Cole continued his professional career by serving Campbell University as Interim General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and Senior Associate Counsel. Demonstrating his natural inclination to solve problems, he also became a certified mediator for North Carolina Superior Court and in the field of family law.
Cole was deeply involved in the Boone community, serving on the boards of and holding leadership positions with local nonprofit and faith-based organizations. These included OASIS, Watauga Opportunities, Watauga County Habitat for Humanity, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, and Hospitality House of Boone. He was a member of the Church of the Holy Cross (Episcopal) in Valle Crucis.
His contributions were recognized with Appalachian State University’s Plemmons Leadership Medallion and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of College and University Attorneys, where he also held life membership.
Born on October 19, 1954, in Port Lavaca, Texas, Cole’s early life included graduating from Bay City (TX) High School and Texas State University-San Marcos, formerly Southwest Texas State University. He earned his law degree, a Doctor of Jurisprudence, from South Texas College of Law Houston while working full-time. During his time in Texas, he was a recognized football standout, attained Life rank with the Boy Scouts, and served as Student Government President at Southwest Texas State University. His leadership capabilities were noted early on, including by then-United States Senator from Texas Lloyd Bentson. Cole met Catherine E. Matthews while studying at Southwest Texas State, and they married in 1977.
Before his tenure at App State, Cole held legal posts at Texas State University-San Marcos and East Texas A&M University-Commerce. His early professional appointments also included serving as administrative aide to Texas House of Representatives member Robert Saunders, and as Assistant University Attorney and Assistant to the Dean of Students at his alma mater. These early experiences, coupled with his appreciation for the transformative power of higher education, fostered his deep commitment to providing legal service to university clients, always guided by the academic mission and the education of young people.
Those who knew Cole will remember a man whose quiet presence could steady a room, whose understated sense of humor could catch people by surprise, and whose optimism endured through difficult circumstances. He approached life with a calm steadiness, a genuine curiosity, and an abiding belief in what was still possible. His commitment to equity and the belief that everyone deserved a place and a sense of belonging extended beyond his professional duties. A framed print with the moniker of 'Honest Lawyer' was displayed prominently in his office, aptly capturing the integrity with which he conducted his legal advising. His family noted that Dayton “finished strong” after his long battle with illness.
Cole is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cathy (Matthews) Cole; his children, Erin Cole, Adam (Elizabeth Whiteman) Cole, Justin (Lorie) Cole, Sara Cole, and Amy (Kevin) Holway; ten grandchildren; and his sisters, Amy (Cole) Cline and Stephanie (Campbell) Cassey. His family was integrated into his professional life, sharing fond memories of attending annual meetings which often included visits to zoos or aquariums with professional colleagues who became family friends. His dedication to work never overshadowed his presence for his loved ones, as he rarely missed a ball game for his children.
Plans for a celebration of Dayton Cole’s life will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to The Church of the Holy Cross, P.O. Box 645, Valle Crucis, NC 28691, or to the Appalachian State University Foundation, Inc., designated for the Dayton T. Cole ACCESS Scholarship Fund, Appalachian State University Advancement Services, P.O. Box 32014, Boone, NC 28608. Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.
