Biola President to Retire in 2007
One of the longest serving university presidents in the state of California, Clyde Cook of Biola University, announced his plans for retirement on Thursday after nearly 25 years at the Christian institution.
One of the longest serving university presidents in the state of California, Clyde Cook of Biola University, announced his plans for retirement on Thursday after nearly 25 years at the Christian institution.
Cook, who celebrated his 71st birthday Thursday, said that he plans to retire next June and hopes his early announcement will allow the school’s Board of Trustees to have sufficient time to look for a new president and allow for a smooth leadership transition.
"By God's grace, I will continue to serve as President of Biola University with enthusiasm and commitment until June 30, 2007,” wrote Cook in a letter to the University on May 30. “On May 31, 2007, I will have completed 25 years in the president's office and on June 7, 2007, Anna Belle and I will celebrate 50 years of marriage. It seems like an appropriate time to step aside."
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The long-time university head and fourth-generation missionary will step down just one year short of the University’s 100th anniversary.
"I wanted to go out a year before everybody expected me to," Cook told the Los Angeles Times. "The big anniversary celebration should look forward, under a new president's leadership, rather than look back at me.”
Although Cook will step down as president next summer, Biola University’s Board of Trustees has made the decision to honor Cook with the title of President Emeritus on July 1, 2007.
Biola has seen a remarkable growth under Cook’s leadership including doubling its schools from three to six and boasting some 5,600 students.
