Dr. Phil Cook has officially begun his tenure as the 18th president of Lee University
On July 1, Dr. Phil Cook officially began his tenure as the 18th president of Lee University, following a presidential transition announced earlier this year by the university’s Board of Directors.
Dr. Cook succeeds Dr. Paul Conn, who served as Lee’s president for 34 years before transitioning to the role of chancellor in 2020. Over the past year, Dr. Conn held a dual role as both president and chancellor while the university conducted a national search for its next leader. With Dr. Cook’s appointment, Dr.
Conn now returns to his role as chancellor.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Cook back to Lee in this vital leadership role,” said Wade Lombard, chair of the Board of Directors. “His commitment to Christian higher education and his long-standing connection to our campus uniquely position him to guide Lee into a strong and hopeful future.”
Dr. Cook most recently served as president and CEO of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals. Prior to that, he served for more than two decades at Lee University in various leadership roles, including vice president for enrollment. Dr. Cook holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Divinity from the Church of God School of Theology, and a bachelor’s degree in business from Lee.
In a message to faculty and staff last week, Dr. Cook reflected on his return: “In the past four years, Tonya and I have traveled around the world visiting many Christian colleges, universities, and high schools. There are a lot of wonderful campuses and institutions that serve the Kingdom well, but I can say emphatically, there is no place like Lee University. And there is no place like home. We are thrilled to be back, and we look forward to serving alongside all of you.”
Dr. Cook and his wife Tonya, also a Lee alum, return to Cleveland with a heart for service and community. The couple has three adult children and two grandchildren.
“My first week back at Lee has reminded me of what makes this place special,” said Dr. Cook. “I’ve spent time meeting with students, faculty, staff, and local leaders, and I’m encouraged by the heart and energy I see in this community. My focus right now is on listening well – hearing people’s hopes, concerns, and dreams for Lee’s future.”
Dr. Cook’s appointment follows a national search process led by FaithSearch Partners and a Presidential Search Committee formed last fall. From a field of 79 candidates, Dr. Cook emerged as the Board's choice to lead Lee into its next season of growth and mission-driven impact.