Dr. Les P. Cook
Dr. Les P. Cook took office as the 12th chancellor of Montana Technological University on July 1, 2019. Since then, he has realigned the leadership team and cabinet to be a shared governance model, successfully hired new senior leaders, and involved a broad and diverse group of employees, students, and others in leading numerous strategic efforts.
Together, these teams have completed a new strategic plan, Deliberately Distinct: Positioning Montana Tech for the Future; finalized and implemented a strategic enrollment plan, launched a new brand promise and messaging campaign, developed a focused master plan and completed a campus space analysis that will one day lead to greater campus vibrancy and aesthetic appeal, departmental synergies, and overall efficiencies.
Physically, the campus has been significantly upgraded, starting with completing the Student Success Center, including 166 additional residence beds. Further enhancements include completing the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratory Power-Systems Lab, newly remodeled and updated dining services, a complete renovation of the Library Auditorium, and new state-of-the-art Lesar Family Nursing Simulation Center. Additionally, technology has been updated throughout campus, creating smart classrooms to better meet in-person and online learning needs. In 2023, the Montana Legislature designated the largest capital appropriation in University history, worth $43 million for the renovation of Main Hall and Engineering Hall.
Opportunities for students have expanded as well. The Montana Board of Regents approved several new degree programs , a Ph.D. in earth science and engineering, and a master’s of science in restoration ecology, a bachelor’s degree in construction management, and an associate of applied science in welding technology. Both the civil and mechanical engineering programs acquired ABET accreditation. Highlands College also developed new credentialing and other opportunities to meet employment needs in the region with more than $1M in workforce development grants. Dr. Cook signed a historic cooperative research and development agreement with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport, allowing students to access advanced experimentations and collaboration in advanced manufacturing, failure analysis, and materials process development. The Orediggers added two new NAIA sports: track and field and cross country. Oredigger Athletic teams have celebrated 11 conference championships, including the most successful men’s basketball season on record, which took the team to the NAIA National Championship quarterfinals. The Foundation has worked hard to increase financial aid/scholarship opportunities via launching the Butte Vision, Liberty Scholars, and Lance Scholars initiatives.
Under Dr. Cook’s leadership, Montana Tech has received a historic string of transformational gifts. In October of 2021, Montana Tech received a $7 million donation, the largest in its history at that time, from Sherry and Dave Lesar for the Nursing Department. The gift was used to grow and sustain the nursing program’s quality and reach. In November 2021, the Nursing Department was renamed the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing.
In September 2022, Nucor announced a $2 million donation to fund the Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
In April 2023, Ryan and Lisa Lance donated $31 million to the University. The gift funds the Lance Scholars Program, which provides 50 in-state students with a $4,000 per year scholarship, renewable for up to an additional three years. $1 million was gifted to Digger Athletics to fund scholarships for student-athletes. The gift also supports an endowed Lance Energy Chair, which will expand Tech’s expertise in STEM and establish the institution as a leader in energy, environment, and sustainability. The position will collaborate with academic programs across campus and develop unique multidisciplinary opportunities to expand research, modernize curriculum, and further industry engagement. All these efforts and accomplishments and more are part of Montana Tech’s vision to be the institution of opportunity and innovation.
Since Chancellor Cook arrived, applications for admission to the University have doubled, and the incoming class for Fall 2023 was the largest since 2014. Cook is steadfast and passionate about leading the way.
Before joining the Montana Tech Family, Cook spent 16 years at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. At Michigan Tech, he held numerous leadership positions, including vice president for strategic university partnerships, vice president for student affairs and advancement, vice president for student affairs, and vice provost and dean of students. Prior to Michigan Tech, Dr. Cook held positions at the University of the Pacific, University of Utah, and Salt Lake Community College.
Dr. Cook earned a doctorate of education in educational leadership from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree in social science, and a bachelor of science in political science from Utah State University. Dr. Cook also completed Harvard University’s Institute on Educational Management.
Cook is the vice chair of the NAIA Frontier Athletic Conference and remains involved with several professional and student service associations. He is the past chair of the Foundation Board of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), former region IV-East vice president, and NASPA national board member. Cook serves as a trustee of the LeaderShape Institute Board of Trustees and previously served as a lead faculty member. Previously Cook served as chair of the chief student affairs officer’s group for the Michigan Association of State Universities, on the board for Student Affairs Today, is a lifetime member of the National Orientation Directors Association, has been an active member of the Association for Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU), and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Cook is actively involved in the Butte community. He serves as an executive board member for the Butte Chamber of Commerce and is a board member. He is a co-lead for the Resilient Butte Project, serves on the Butte Silver Bow Economic Development Team and was previously engaged in the Butte Silver Bow County Healthy Task Force. Cook and his wife Stephanie regularly volunteer for the Montana Folk Festival, Butte 100 and other community activities.
Les and his wife, Stephanie, have two grown children: Cole and his wife, who live and work in Phoenix, AZ; and Adison, a physical therapist, lives in Salt Lake City.