Boasting more than 40 years of professional excellence, Dr. William Robert Cook is recognized extensively for his educational tenure, scholarly works and business management prowess. Retired since 2012, he formerly served as a distinguished teaching professor of history at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo beginning in 1984. Prior to this appointment, he joined SUNY Geneseo in 1970 as an assistant professor of history, remaining in that capacity until 1977. From there, Dr. Cook served as an associate professor of history until 1982 and a full professor of history from 1982 to 1984. During his tenure, Dr. Cook authored several works, such as “Francis of Assisi” in 1989, “Early Images of St. Francis” in 1999 and the second edition of “The Medieval World View” in 2004.
Alongside his teaching appointments, Dr. Cook founded the Bill Cook Foundation. Established in 2015, the Bill Cook Foundation is an educational organization with a global reach, committed to supporting educational initiatives in underprivileged regions worldwide. Leveraging his network of potential donors through his affiliation with the Young Presidents’ Organization, Dr. Cook has traveled extensively for his cause, organizing and leading various programs across the globe, allowing him to cultivate relationships with donors who support the organization’s mission. In this regard, Dr. Cook is a fundraiser and program manager for the organization, with responsibilities including leading luxury cruises as a lecturer and organizing private tours. Operating in nearly 40 countries – with ongoing projects in approximately 28 of those countries – the Bill Cook Foundation is particularly focused on underserved regions such as Yemen, Congo and Myanmar, as well as the marginalized population of Roma children in Croatia and Kosovo, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, and children affected by Agent Orange in Laos.
Impressively, Dr. Cook’s commitment to education spans numerous academic levels, from basic literacy to vocational training and higher education. As such, the Bill Cook Foundation not only builds schools but also sponsors students to attend university. The organization has also constructed one of the only high schools for girls in South Sudan, testifying to the organization’s global impact. To date, the organization has allocated nearly $3 million toward building schools and providing scholarships to young students.
Looking toward the future, Dr. Cook aims to sustain the Bill Cook Foundation and deepen its existing programs, focusing on enhancing the quality and impact of its current initiatives. Currently, they assist several children with Down syndrome in Peru by providing them with opportunities to learn, engage in creative activities and help their families. Ultimately, Dr. Cook is committed to ensuring that the Bill Cook Foundation continues to make a profound impact in the communities it serves.