of the university's founder and namesake Cornelius Vanderbilt. Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida, also uses the Commodore mascot for its sports teams. Commodore as a title of recognition by State of Rhode Island The state of Rhode Island has a group of select individuals, appointed by the governor, known as Rhode Island Commodores. Rhode Island Commodores function as ambassadors for the state and promote its economy and attractions. It is similar to the title Kentucky Colonel but less commonly awarded. See also Air commodore Commodore (rank) Commodore-in-Chief Commodore admiral Rear admiral (lower half) Fleet captain Senior captain References Footnotes Sources One-star officers Military ranks of the United States Navy