Alumnus to serve as interim president at Alcorn State

Starting July 8, Tracy Cook will be serving as the interim president at Alcorn State University.

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, which governs all of Mississippi's public universities, approved the appointing of Cook Friday, according to a press release.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Cook serve as interim president,” said Alfred McNair, the board of trustees' president. “Dr. Cook will keep the university moving forward and building on its rich heritage.”

Cook is stepping up after serving as the college's vice president for student affairs and enrollment since 2019. Before that, he was appointed as Alcorn State's chief of staff in 2015.

He is replacing Ontario Wooden, who is leaving the school after three years of service to focus his attention on his family.

Cook is a graduate of Alcorn State, earning a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and a master’s degree in agronomy and educational administration and supervision. He went on to earn a doctorate and specialist degree in educational leadership from Hattiesburg's William Carey University.

Cook's resume also includes serving in various capacities at schools in Jefferson and Claiborne counties, including superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, teacher and athletic director.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS IHL appoints Tracy Cook as interim president at Alcorn State