Dr. Charles David Cook was one of the original faculty members of Georgia Highlands College (then Floyd Junior College and later Floyd College). His years of service and legacy are remembered by many alumni and retired faculty members who have created a scholarship fund in his name.
GHC started in 1970.
In his tenure, Cook made many contributions to the college while serving as Chairman of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (now School of STEM) and Professor Emeritus of Biology, including working to secure funding for emerging programs and later establishing the practice of officiating a mace barer during college graduation ceremonies. The practice, which dates back to medieval universities, represents the freedom of educational entities to seek and teach the truth.
Prior to working at then Floyd Jr. College, Cook studied Biology at Jacksonville State University before serving in the U.S. Army where he worked in military intelligence as a Russian and German language interpreter. He lived in Munich, Germany, from 1960 to 1963 where he taught English and Science courses, and also taught high school Biology back in the U.S.
Cook wrote in the college’s Decennial Year publication that college faculty have a responsibility to their students, and a testament to taking on that responsibility was seeing early students graduate and go on to four-year institutions as well as seeing the college expand its offerings to a growing student population.
To make contributions in honor of Dr. Cook’s memory or to learn more, please visit www.highlands.edu and click on “Give Today.” Donations may also be made via check (made payable to Georgia Highlands College Foundation) and mailed to 3175 Cedartown Highway, Rome, GA 30161, with the memo line “David Cook Scholarship.”
