Welcome home, Mr. President

Lee University enters a new era of leadership as Dr. Phil Cook assumes the presidency. For Cook, the role is more than a title — it is a continuation of a lifelong relationship with the university that shaped him as a student and guided his 24 years as a staff member. His current vision is to serve the next generation of students with the same transformative impact he experienced.

“My vision for Lee flows from the fact that I am a product of Lee...My vision is to have degree and academic programs that get students ready for their careers, but also have them prepare equally, and more importantly, their spiritual health and vibrance as well as their relationship with the Lord,” Cook said.

President Cook’s vision is equally based upon his desire for spiritual and academic excellence.

“God gave students a mind, so we must grow in our academic enterprise. That’s what a university is all about. We’re not just a church and we’re not just a social club. We are an institution of higher learning, where excellence in thought must lead the way.”

While higher learning is his focus, one of Cook’s main goals is to have fun with students. This has been demonstrated by the “Presidential Uber” featured on social media and humorous moments in the opening chapel.

“We’re doing our best to do what God has called us to do, which is sharpen our intellect, improve our critical thinking skills, and serve the kingdom, and have fun,” Cook said.

President Phil Cook at the opening chapel.

Cook’s vision for the campus is evident through both what he has expressed in chapel and beginning of the semester events, as well as his support of the people working at Lee.

When asked to welcome Dr. Cook to the Lee community during his first chapel service, Chancellor Dr. Paul Conn congratulated him and encouraged the student body as well as staff.

“He is the president of the freshman. He’s the president of the faculty. He’s the president of those of us who are members of his administrative team. He has a tremendous responsibility, but he also has a wonderful opportunity and that’s to be our leader in this next period. Lead us spiritually, lead us intellectually, lead us socially and institutionally in every way,” Conn said.

Vice President of Operations Josh York is chair of the committee planning the presidential inauguration, a time for the university community and guests to officially welcome the new president.

“Hearing from Dr. Cook – his address and vision for the campus – is going to build momentum for our students. We’re planning, praying and hoping for that case,” York said. “We all want to stay focused on the same thing moving forward, but I think Dr. Cook is going to be one to take us there.”

With work to be done and many people to reach, Cook looks to the future. His “all gas, no brakes” outlook is based upon building and continuing the legacy of Lee University.

“We’re thrilled to be back. We’re ready to go. I’ve been joking about this, although I do mean it,” Cook said. “We’re wide open. We are all gas, no brakes. We are working hard to serve students, and we’re working hard to ensure that Lee’s legacy will continue. That’s why I’m in this spot, because Lee changed my life, and it must continue to change others’ lives as well.”