Education
Education
Montana Tech Chancellor Named Recipient of Prestigious Award
Montana Technological University Chancellor Les Cook has been awarded the NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) Region V President's Award for 2021. NASPA is a member-centered association supporting a diverse and passionate network of 15,000 professionals and 1,200 institutions across the globe.
The Region V President's Award recognizes outstanding members and is conferred to a college or university president or chancellor. Recipients must advance the quality of student life on campus by supporting student affairs staff and programs.
As Montana Tech's 12th leader, Chancellor Cook has accomplished much in his over two years at the university's helm. During this time, the university has focused on enrollment, student success, telling the story, and positioning Montana Tech for the future. He recalibrated the university's leadership team, and along with their team, developed a strategic enrollment plan, launched new messaging and branding, developed new strategic and master plans, and secured the most significant gift in the university's history.
Before being appointed chancellor at Montana Tech, 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. Before Michigan Tech, Dr. Cook held positions at the University of the Pacific, University of Utah, and Salt Lake Community College.
Cook is actively involved with several professional and student service associations. He is the chair of the Foundation Board of NASPA, former region IV east vice president, and NASPA national board member.
"I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award," said Paul R. Bennion, VP for Student Affairs & Dean of Students at The College of Idaho. "Chancellor Cook's professional home is Student Affairs, having served in progressively more responsible positions supporting holistic student development throughout his career, while also serving NASPA in various leadership roles, including his current tenure as Chair of the Foundation. Les' dedication to supporting the work of Student Affairs is widely recognized, as is his passionate, empathetic, and congenial leadership."
Chris Meiers, former NASPA Region V Director, American Council on Education Fellow, said, "Les is an incredible educator and administrator. As someone new to the pacific northwest, he was someone who took an interest in me and welcomed me to this region. He is typical of the presidents who are needed in higher education today. His background related to student success is exactly what we need to redefine the educational experience to ensure that higher education provides value and relevance in a rapidly changing workforce and economy exasperated by the languishing impacts of the pandemic."
Cook was recognized during a virtual ceremony recently. Being named the regional award recipient, Cook will qualify for consideration for a NASPA central award.
The Region V President's Award recognizes outstanding members and is conferred to a college or university president or chancellor. Recipients must advance the quality of student life on campus by supporting student affairs staff and programs.
As Montana Tech's 12th leader, Chancellor Cook has accomplished much in his over two years at the university's helm. During this time, the university has focused on enrollment, student success, telling the story, and positioning Montana Tech for the future. He recalibrated the university's leadership team, and along with their team, developed a strategic enrollment plan, launched new messaging and branding, developed new strategic and master plans, and secured the most significant gift in the university's history.
Before being appointed chancellor at Montana Tech, 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. Before Michigan Tech, Dr. Cook held positions at the University of the Pacific, University of Utah, and Salt Lake Community College.
Cook is actively involved with several professional and student service associations. He is the chair of the Foundation Board of NASPA, former region IV east vice president, and NASPA national board member.
"I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award," said Paul R. Bennion, VP for Student Affairs & Dean of Students at The College of Idaho. "Chancellor Cook's professional home is Student Affairs, having served in progressively more responsible positions supporting holistic student development throughout his career, while also serving NASPA in various leadership roles, including his current tenure as Chair of the Foundation. Les' dedication to supporting the work of Student Affairs is widely recognized, as is his passionate, empathetic, and congenial leadership."
Chris Meiers, former NASPA Region V Director, American Council on Education Fellow, said, "Les is an incredible educator and administrator. As someone new to the pacific northwest, he was someone who took an interest in me and welcomed me to this region. He is typical of the presidents who are needed in higher education today. His background related to student success is exactly what we need to redefine the educational experience to ensure that higher education provides value and relevance in a rapidly changing workforce and economy exasperated by the languishing impacts of the pandemic."
Cook was recognized during a virtual ceremony recently. Being named the regional award recipient, Cook will qualify for consideration for a NASPA central award.
