Tracy M. Cook is the new interim president of Alcorn State University in Mississippi. He took office on July 8, replacing Ontario S. Wooden who led the university as interim president since April and is leaving the university to focus his attention on his family. Earlier, Dr. Wooden had served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. He replaced Felecia Nave who had been president since 2019. No reason was given for Dr. Nave’s departure earlier this year.
Historically Black Alcorn State University enrolls just over 2,500 undergraduate students and more than 500 graduate students, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Education. African Americans make up 92 percent of the student body.
Dr. Cook had been serving as vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at the university. Before joining the staff at Alcorn State in 2015, Dr. Cook served in various roles, including superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, athletic director, and teacher in the Jefferson and Claiborne County Schools.
Dr. Cook holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and master’s degrees in agronomy and educational administration and supervision from Alcorn State University. He earned a doctorate in educational leadership from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
