Cook, Phil
Dr. Phil Cook became the eighteenth president of Lee University on July 1, 2025. His appointment followed an extensive national search led by the Presidential Search Committee in partnership with FaithSearch Partners of Dallas—a process that began with 79 applicants and ultimately narrowed to four finalists before the Board of Directors confirmed Cook as the university’s next leader.
A Lee alumnus, longtime staff member, and former vice president for enrollment, Dr. Cook stepped into the role with more than three decades of experience in higher education. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP), an organization central to the field of enrollment management. His earlier 24‑year tenure at Lee included leadership through a period of remarkable enrollment expansion that reshaped the university’s national profile within Christian higher education.
Dr. Cook’s connection to Lee extends far beyond administrative titles. During his years on campus, he immersed himself in student life—serving as a resident director, directing student events, sponsoring the men’s social service club Alpha Gamma Chi, teaching in both the School of Religion and First‑Year Programs, moderating chapel services, and even announcing home basketball games. These roles reflect a leader who not only understands the institution’s operations but has lived its culture alongside generations of students. As a key recruiter of students to Lee during his work with enrollment, Dr. Cook is well-respected among Lee alumni because of his intentional care for students and their success at Lee.
His academic preparation mirrors this breadth of experience. He holds a PhD in higher education administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; a Master of Divinity from the Church of God School of Theology; and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Lee. An ordained bishop in the Church of God, he and his wife, Tonya, are parents to three adult children (each of whom is a graduate of Lee), and they have two grandchildren.
Dr. Cook’s vision is shaped by his own formative years at Lee. He speaks often of wanting today’s students to experience the same spiritual and intellectual transformation that marked his time on campus. His priorities center on academic excellence, spiritual vitality, and a campus culture that is both rigorous and joyful. “My vision for Lee flows from the fact that I am a product of Lee,” he has said. “We want programs that prepare students for their careers, but also cultivate their spiritual health, vibrance, and relationship with the Lord. God gave students a mind, so excellence in thought must lead the way.”
That blend of seriousness and warmth has already become a hallmark of his leadership. Early in the semester, students encountered the “Presidential Uber”—a lighthearted social‑media feature showcasing Cook driving students around campus—and a series of humorous moments in opening chapel. For Dr. Cook, joy and community are not distractions from the university’s mission but expressions of it. “We’re doing our best to sharpen intellect, strengthen critical thinking, and serve the kingdom,” he said.
Chancellor Dr. Paul Conn, who completed a one‑year term as interim as Chancellor and President before returning to his role as Chancellor, welcomed Dr. Cook during his first chapel service with a charge to lead the university in every dimension of its life. “He has a tremendous responsibility,” Dr. Conn said, “but also a wonderful opportunity—to lead us spiritually, intellectually, socially, and institutionally.”
Dr. Cook embraces that responsibility with characteristic energy. His mantra—“all gas, no brakes”—captures both his enthusiasm and his commitment to building on the legacy of the institution that shaped him. “We’re thrilled to be back,” he said. “We are wide open. We are working hard to serve students and to ensure that Lee’s legacy continues. Lee changed my life, and it must continue to change others’ lives as well.”
As Lee University moves forward under his leadership, Dr. Cook brings not only extensive experience and institutional knowledge but also a deep sense of calling. His presidency marks the beginning of a new era—one rooted in tradition, energized by vision, and focused on preparing the next generation of students for lives of purpose, service, and faith.
/ L.F. Morgan
* Some information provided by a Lee Clarion article by Aubrianna Brown (Sept. 12, 2025) and Lee University press releases
A Lee alumnus, longtime staff member, and former vice president for enrollment, Dr. Cook stepped into the role with more than three decades of experience in higher education. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP), an organization central to the field of enrollment management. His earlier 24‑year tenure at Lee included leadership through a period of remarkable enrollment expansion that reshaped the university’s national profile within Christian higher education.
Dr. Cook’s connection to Lee extends far beyond administrative titles. During his years on campus, he immersed himself in student life—serving as a resident director, directing student events, sponsoring the men’s social service club Alpha Gamma Chi, teaching in both the School of Religion and First‑Year Programs, moderating chapel services, and even announcing home basketball games. These roles reflect a leader who not only understands the institution’s operations but has lived its culture alongside generations of students. As a key recruiter of students to Lee during his work with enrollment, Dr. Cook is well-respected among Lee alumni because of his intentional care for students and their success at Lee.
His academic preparation mirrors this breadth of experience. He holds a PhD in higher education administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; a Master of Divinity from the Church of God School of Theology; and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Lee. An ordained bishop in the Church of God, he and his wife, Tonya, are parents to three adult children (each of whom is a graduate of Lee), and they have two grandchildren.
Dr. Cook’s vision is shaped by his own formative years at Lee. He speaks often of wanting today’s students to experience the same spiritual and intellectual transformation that marked his time on campus. His priorities center on academic excellence, spiritual vitality, and a campus culture that is both rigorous and joyful. “My vision for Lee flows from the fact that I am a product of Lee,” he has said. “We want programs that prepare students for their careers, but also cultivate their spiritual health, vibrance, and relationship with the Lord. God gave students a mind, so excellence in thought must lead the way.”
That blend of seriousness and warmth has already become a hallmark of his leadership. Early in the semester, students encountered the “Presidential Uber”—a lighthearted social‑media feature showcasing Cook driving students around campus—and a series of humorous moments in opening chapel. For Dr. Cook, joy and community are not distractions from the university’s mission but expressions of it. “We’re doing our best to sharpen intellect, strengthen critical thinking, and serve the kingdom,” he said.
Chancellor Dr. Paul Conn, who completed a one‑year term as interim as Chancellor and President before returning to his role as Chancellor, welcomed Dr. Cook during his first chapel service with a charge to lead the university in every dimension of its life. “He has a tremendous responsibility,” Dr. Conn said, “but also a wonderful opportunity—to lead us spiritually, intellectually, socially, and institutionally.”
Dr. Cook embraces that responsibility with characteristic energy. His mantra—“all gas, no brakes”—captures both his enthusiasm and his commitment to building on the legacy of the institution that shaped him. “We’re thrilled to be back,” he said. “We are wide open. We are working hard to serve students and to ensure that Lee’s legacy continues. Lee changed my life, and it must continue to change others’ lives as well.”
As Lee University moves forward under his leadership, Dr. Cook brings not only extensive experience and institutional knowledge but also a deep sense of calling. His presidency marks the beginning of a new era—one rooted in tradition, energized by vision, and focused on preparing the next generation of students for lives of purpose, service, and faith.
/ L.F. Morgan
* Some information provided by a Lee Clarion article by Aubrianna Brown (Sept. 12, 2025) and Lee University press releases