After having graduated from Columbia University in 1936, Coles earned a PhD in chemistry at Columbia and taught at several educational institutions including Middlebury College and Brown University before becoming president of Bowdoin.

Additionally, for his work in anti-submarine warfare during World War II done at the Underwater Explosives Research Laboratory at Woods Hole, he was awarded the President’s Certificate of Merit.

Coles was the first president to build dormitories for seniors and saw the sizes of his student body, faculty, and campus grow dramatically.

Notably, the Coles Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Maine, was built during his tenure.

After he left Bowdoin, Coles became president of Research Corporation, a private foundation for the advancement of science and technology.