MORTUARY SCIENCE

Graduated in 2013
Director, James H. Cole Home for Funerals

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State? 

A: I wanted to follow in the steps of my grandfather James H. Cole Jr. I am the only other member of my family to receive my education from Wayne State University’s Mortuary Science program, and the knowledge my grandfather had of this profession was something I wanted as well.

Q: What inspired you to pursue this career?

A: My inspiration comes directly from my grandfather. The way he led his life, ran his business and was a pillar of the community made me want to carry on our family legacy. From a young age, I was working at the funeral home, seeing and witnessing the different aspects of grief, death and family dynamics. I knew even then that I wanted to be the next one to help and give assistance during this difficult time.

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: Dr. Peter Frade. I have never had another teacher who was that excited and full of energy. Dr. Frade has such an incredible mind with so much knowledge — I'm not sure how it all fits! The way he would go into an entire breakdown of a chemical composition would make Einstein's head spin, but he would always come back and break it down so that all of us regular students could understand the concept.

Q: Where did you like to study? 

A: Home — the support I had from my wife while completing WSU Mortuary School was out of this world. Hands down, being home and studying for hours while she was right there in my corner like I was Rocky Balboa and she was Mickey is something I will never forget and be forever grateful for.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: Thananto Chemistry was difficult was because it was taught by Dr. Frade. The challenging part was keeping up with his genius! But once he gave a breakdown of the concept, told us to eat a Snickers bar, and pumped the breaks on his superior mind, everything clicked.

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest changes that has occurred in your profession since graduating?

A: It would have to be the increased rate of cremation. I have a unique viewpoint, coming from the African American community where cremation was looked at as taboo. I don’t view the increase in cremation as a challenge but an opportunity. I take pride in knowing there is a completely different aspect of my profession that I can dive into and discover how to help the families I serve in a new way.

Q: Tell us a bit about your career.

A: After graduating from Wayne State, I decided to join the family business while also starting a headstone and monument company, launching a completely new addition and service to James H. Cole Funeral Home. I enjoy giving back to the community and the profession by being an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, serving currently as Vice President of District 1. I am a graduate of the inaugural class of the MFDA Leadership Academy and am proud to be involved with Six Feet Over, an organization helping those who have lost someone to suicide.  

Q: Tell us more about your time at Wayne State. 

A: My mortuary school experience is something I will carry with me throughout my career. From the classroom to the embalming lab and all the time I would spend in the hallway looking at my grandfather’s graduation class picture saying, “This is for you.” The education I received at WSU is hands down why I am an overflowing bucket of knowledge when it comes to this profession.

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Since 1939, the Wayne State University Mortuary Science Program has been dedicated to educating and developing funeral service professionals who serve their communities with care and distinction.

Through traditional, online and hybrid programs, students benefit from high quality instruction and practical experiences that lay the foundation for their funeral service careers. Learn more about the application process and make plans to attend a college information meeting, held for prospective students at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.