FaithSearch Partners is pleased to share that Lee University’s Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Phil Cook as the institution’s next President, effective July 1. Dr. Cook will lead the 106-year-old, private Christian university located in Cleveland, Tennessee, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
Lee University has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, spiritual vitality, and a close-knit campus community. Over the past two decades, the university has experienced remarkable growth—expanding its academic programs, enhancing athletic offerings, increasing student enrollment, diversifying faculty expertise, and investing in campus facilities.
Dr. Cook brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership. Since 2021, he has served as President and CEO of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP). Prior to that, he held a series of senior leadership roles at Lee University from 1997 to 2021, including Vice President for Enrollment.
He holds a Doctorate 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 University. An ordained bishop in the Church of God, Dr. Cook is married to Tonya Cook. Together, they have three adult children.
In response to his appointment, Dr. Cook shared, “I am deeply honored and humbled to return to Lee University as president. Tonya and I are grateful to the Board of Directors for entrusting us with this opportunity to serve. We look forward to returning to our alma mater to support our students, faculty, staff, alumni, church, and community. We thank the Lord for His guidance throughout this journey and are eager to get to work.”
Jacqueline Gustafson, Vice President at FaithSearch Partners, stated that “This is an exciting time for Lee University. Their roots are deep, and their future is bright. Dr. Cook is cherished and respected by the Lee community, several people have shared personal stories of the positive ways in which Dr. Cook inspired them as young people while studying at Lee as students. Dr. Cook embodies the phrase that is often spoken at Lee ‘Expect Great Things!’ “
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Founded in 2007, FaithSearch Partners is the premier executive search firm in the U.S. focusing exclusively on serving faith-based educational institutions, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, ministries, and faith-oriented businesses. Based in Dallas with locations in Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Asheville, Durango, Redding, Rochester, and Tyler, FaithSearch is able to serve faith-based clients in all regions.
