Cleveland, TN–Lee University formally inaugurated Dr. Phil Cook as its 18th president on Friday, Sept. 19, in a ceremony held at the Conn Center on Lee’s campus.
Although Cook officially began his tenure as president on July 1, the inauguration marked the ceremonial celebration of his leadership. He follows Lee Chancellor Dr. Paul Conn, who served as president for 35 years. This is only the third presidential inauguration since 1986 and the sixth in the university’s 107-year history.
Friday’s ceremony drew a large audience that included members of the faculty, students, alumni, local government, church leadership, and Lee’s Board of Directors. Speakers extended their support and well wishes, with remarks from Dr. Gary Lewis, general overseer of the Church of God; Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks; board members Ashley Freer and Kevin McGlamery; Dr. Jared Wielfaert, chair of the school’s faculty council; Chancellor Paul Conn; and Dr. Rickie Moore, former associate dean of the School of Theology & Ministry.
As part of the formal investiture, Cook’s children – Meridieth Palmer, Megan Chittom, and Drew Cook – presented him with the Investiture Bible, originally owned by F.J. Lee, the university’s second president and namesake. Wade Lombard, chair of the Board of Directors, presented the Presidential Medallion.
The inauguration program featured musical performances by Lee Festival Choir and Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Cameron Weatherford, along with a special performance by the Lee University Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. David Holsinger and Dr. Joshua Pace.
Prior to the official inauguration, students honored Cook and his wife, Tonya, with a student-led chapel service on Thursday, Sept. 18.
[1]Dr. Phil Cook addresses the crowd at his inauguration of Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 at Lee University (click photo to enlarge)
Before his appointment, Cook served as president and CEO of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP) since 2021. From 1997 to 2021, he held several senior leadership roles at Lee, including Vice President for Enrollment.
In his inaugural address, Cook emphasized a deep belief in Lee University’s legacy, mission, and future.
“The Lee University president standing before you today believes in Lee University,” said Cook. “I believe in its history, in its purpose, in its people, and I believe the best is yet to come.”
He cast a bold and hopeful vision for Lee’s future, one rooted in academic excellence, spiritual formation, and Christ-centered leadership. He emphasized a commitment to clarity in mission, innovation without compromise, and a campus culture defined by service, grace, and truth.
“We will be a university that listens to the Holy Spirit and responds to His word,” said Cook. “We will lead courageously. In a time when higher education is facing uncertainty, we will be a place of clarity. In a culture of division, we will be a community of grace. In a world of noise, we will be a voice of truth. We will be known not just for what we teach, but for how we care, for how we welcome, and for how we serve.”
Closing his address, Cook returned to a central theme woven throughout the day’s celebration. “We believe in new beginnings. We believe in the power of legacy. We believe in miracles. We believe in Lee University,” he said. “And I pledge to you I will do my part, with God’s help, to lead with humility, hope, conviction, clarity, and compassion.”
To view the inauguration ceremony and other media from the event, visit leeuniversity.edu/inauguration.
(Source: Lee University)