About

As the associate vice president for administration at the University of Central Florida (UCF), Margaret Jarrell-Cole led the governance work for UCF’s direct support organizations, all 501(c)3s, including the philanthropic foundation, research foundation, athletics, academic health organization, and public financing organizations supporting large capital projects such as the stadium.

Jarrell-Cole worked with the university’s Board of Trustees and president’s office to review UCF’s support organizations and provide recommendations to heighten transparency and accountability through a focus on governance. This multiyear project’s goals were ensuring the Board of Trustees fulfill its fiduciary responsibility for these support organizations, limiting risk to the institution while optimizing opportunities for success and providing meaningful alignment with the university’s goals. The collaborative process included review and alignment of governing documents, policy review and adoption, and the creation of processes to keep the board informed and onboard new members, including trustees.

Previously, Jarrell-Cole represented the UCF Foundation as senior corporate counsel in contract negotiations, complex philanthropic arrangements, real estate acquisitions and management, public finance, and board governance. In addition, she assisted the foundation’s chief executive officer in supporting the volunteer Board of Directors and the university Board of Trustees’ Advancement Committee.

Jarrell-Cole began her work representing foundations and alumni associations at the University of Florida where she worked for 10 years. Her legal career began in private practice, specializing in the areas of tax-exempt financing and real estate.

Professional Credentials

Jarrell-Cole earned her BA and JD at the University of Florida.