Andrew M Cole

Andrew Cole brings over 14 years of experience in healthcare operations, strategic marketing, and business development, with a strong focus on improving access to care in rural and underserved communities. He currently serves as part‑time faculty in the Marketing Department at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Cameron School of Business, where he teaches Principles of Marketing and launched the university’s first Health Care Marketing course. Drawing from extensive hands‑on experience in rural healthcare settings, his teaching philosophy emphasizes connecting theory to real‑world practice, equipping students to navigate the operational, access, and consumer challenges that shape modern healthcare markets.

In addition to his academic role, Andrew has held leadership positions across the healthcare continuum, including roles in rehabilitation operations, home health business development and consultant work with major organizations such as Davis Infrastructure.

Education

MBA in Marketing, University of North Carolina Wilmington
MHA in Healthcare Administration, Purdue Global University
B.S. in Healthcare Administration, Kaplan University
A.A.S. in Physical Therapy Assistant, Orange County Community College

Specialization in Teaching

Andrew specializes in marketing courses with a healthcare emphasis, including market segmentation, consumer behavior, and strategic communication. He integrates real-world case studies and emerging trends such as telehealth, health informatics, and value-based care into his curriculum. His goal is to prepare students for leadership roles by equipping them with practical skills and strategic insights that bridge business principles and healthcare delivery.

Research Interests

Andrew’s research interests center on healthcare marketing and engagement strategies designed to improve access, utilization, and outcomes in rural and underserved communities. His work explores patient engagement models and the integration of digital technologies in post‑acute and community‑based care settings, with particular attention to how these tools can overcome geographic, workforce, and resource barriers common in rural healthcare. He is especially interested in how consumer behavior influences healthcare decision‑making in low‑access environments and how data analytics can be leveraged to improve continuity of care and patient outcomes. His research emphasizes innovative yet ethical marketing approaches within highly regulated healthcare environments, with a focus on compliance, equity, and sustainable access for rural populations

Community Engagement

Andrew is actively involved in community health initiatives and professional development programs. He collaborates with local healthcare organizations to promote fall-prevention programs, memory care education, and patient safety strategies. Additionally, he participates in outreach events that connect students with industry professionals, fostering networking opportunities and experiential learning. His commitment to community engagement reflects his belief in education as a tool for improving both individual lives and public health outcome