DBU REPORT 14 At DBU’s Spring Convocation Service held in Pilgrim Chapel on April 5, Chancellor Gary Cook was presented with the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, just one day before he celebrated 35 years of faithful service at DBU. Under his remarkable legacy of more than 28 years as President, the University went from a reputation as being financially troubled and nearly having to close its doors to becoming a campus known for its botanical and architectural beauty and, even more, for being a thriving Chrit-centered institution of higher education, granting bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to students from all over the world. Now serving as Chancellor, Dr. Cook continues his legacy at DBU by raising funds for the University’s endowment and in mentoring the next generation. During the Convocation Service, Dr. Cook encouraged students to devote their lives to prayer as he shared personal stories from his most challenging years as President in the late 1980s. It was prayer that sustained both him and the University through financial crisis and an uncertain future. Dr. Cook was also led by the Lord at the very beginning of his tenure to establish the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, which continues to be led by a full-time staff member and involves more than 1,000 prayer partners who pray every day for the future welfare of the University and its ministry of preparing leaders for service in diverse ministerial and professional fields. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Cook grew up with a desire to serve the Lord and felt a calling into full-time Christian ministry. While attending Baylor University, he grew to become friends with his mentor, Judge Abner McCall, then Baylor President, who encouraged him to become involved in university life as well as denominational life through the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Baptist World Alliance. Honoring 35 Years of Servant Leadership DBU Presents Honorary Doctorate to Chancellor Gary Cook Dr. Gary Cook and Dr. Adam C. Wright, along with DBU Provost, Dr. Norma Hedin.
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