Dr. Tracy Cook has had the interim tag pulled and will be the next president of Alcorn State University, according to a news release.
The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) decided on Wednesday to move forward with Cook as president after over eight months of him serving in the position on an interim basis. Cook, who is an Alcorn State alumnus, was vice president for student affairs and enrollment management prior to the promotion at his alma mater.
“This decision was made in the long-term best interests of Alcorn State University and its students, faculty, and alumni,” Dr. Alfred McNair, president of the Board of Trustees, said. “There was an obvious desire and call from the Alcorn family for Dr. Cook to be named to this role, and we are putting our full faith and confidence behind this decision. He is the right person to lead Alcorn State University.”
A native of Fayette, Cook earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at Alcorn, where he also was a standout on the school’s football team from 1990-93. The former tight end was inducted into the Alcorn Sports Hall of Fame and named to the university’s list of Top 50 Greatest Football Athletes after his playing days.
Cook went on to get his doctorate from William Carey University before going into the education sector. For more than 25 years, he served various positions within Jefferson and Claiborne schools including as a teacher, athletic director, principal, and superintendent.
It wasn’t until 2015 that he decided to move to the post-secondary level when he was hired as chief of staff at Alcorn. A few promotions later, and now, he’s president of his alma mater.
“I am honored to have the trust and support of the Board of Trustees and excited to officially lead a university that has meant so much to me personally and professionally,” Cook said. “We have a bright future ahead of us, and I am committed to leading us toward all levels of success.”
Alfred Rankins, the commissioner of IHL and former president of Alcorn State, applauded the decision to hire Cook as one of his first battles will be finding ways to up enrollment at the country’s oldest historical Black land-grant institution.
“At this juncture in Alcorn’s history, Dr. Cook is the right choice to lead the university to greater prominence,” Rankins said. “I understand and appreciate the work that lies ahead for him. Alcorn State University is fortunate to have him at the helm.”
Over the last four years, Alcorn has lost over 600 students. Cook will officially assume office on April 1, 2024.
