Lee University will formally inaugurate Dr. Phil Cook as its 18th president during a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 19, at 10:30 a.m. in the Conn Center. 
 
Cook, who took office July 1, is a longtime member of the Lee family and the Cleveland community. A Pittsburgh native and first-generation college student, he enrolled at Lee in 1988 and went on to serve the university in a variety of roles for nearly three decades, including vice president for enrollment. 
 
During his tenure on staff from 1993 to 2021, Cook held every major position in the Office of Admissions, beginning as assistant director and eventually leading the division as vice president. Under his leadership, the university experienced significant and sustained enrollment growth, helping elevate Lee’s national profile in Christian higher education. Cook also contributed to university-wide initiatives related to student success, institutional advancement, and strategic planning. 
 
Prior to returning to Lee as president, Cook served as president and CEO of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals, a national organization supporting enrollment leaders at Christian colleges and universities. 
 
This momentous occasion will feature a series of special events beginning Thursday, Sept. 18, and continuing through Friday, Sept. 19. 
 
On Thursday, a special inauguration chapel service will take place at 10:45 a.m. in the Conn Center, featuring music from the Festival Choir and Orchestra and a message from Board of Directors member Dr. Mark Williams. Overflow seating will be available in the Dixon Center. A student reception honoring President Cook and his wife, Tonya, will follow at 11:30 a.m. on the Sharp Pedestrian Mall with music, food, and games. Guests are also invited to an Open House from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the newly created Welcome Center and renovated Higginbotham Administration Building. 
 
Friday’s inauguration ceremony will include a full regalia processional, special performances by the Festival Choir and Orchestra, and a presidential address from Cook. Overflow seating will again be available in the Dixon Center. Following the ceremony, a community reception will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Sharp Pedestrian Mall. 
 
“This is a rare and significant moment in our university’s history,” said Josh York, vice president for operations. “We’ve only had three presidential inaugurations in the past 39 years. The contributions of the Festival Choir and Orchestra, along with the strong turnout from the campus and broader community, reflect the deep sense of tradition and celebration that surrounds this event.” 
 
Classes that take place on Friday from 10:10 a.m. through 1:15 p.m. will be cancelled to allow students, faculty, and staff to participate.
  
For those unable to attend in person, livestream viewing will be available at inauguration/.

For more information about the inauguration, visit www.leeuniversity.edu.