DBU Chancellor Dr. Gary Cook Awarded the Charles D. Johnson Award by the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities

The International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities (IABCU) is a voluntary organization that enriches member institutions by supporting their mission of providing high-quality Christ-centered education. The IABCU comprises colleges, universities, and seminaries that embrace their Baptist roots, heritage, and relationships. Members include 40 schools with over 75,000 students in 16 states and three countries. The IABCU holds an annual meeting to bring Baptist leaders together each year, holding seminars, networking events, and bestowing awards among leaders in the field.

DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright and Chancellor Dr. Gary Cook traveled to Knoxville, Tennessee, for this year's IABCU annual meeting. Dr. Cook was honored at the conference and received the Charles D. Johnson Award for his significant contribution to Baptist-related higher education. This award honors Charles D. Johnson, who authored Higher Education of Southern Baptists and served as Chairman of the Southern Baptist Education Commission from 1932 to 1953. This prestigious award is not annually given; Dr. Cook is the 22nd recipient since the first award was presented in 1983.

Dr. Bobby Hall, former President of Wayland Baptist University (retired in June 2024) and Board Member of IABCU, presented Dr. Cook with the award and an uplifting message. "Dr. Gary Cook is a servant leader who believes in the power of Christian Higher Education to change lives and shape culture." Dr. Hall continued, "By his accomplishments at DBU and in the entire Baptist Higher Education landscape, it is clear that Dr. Cook is a true leader. I can also say that he is a true friend. I was honored to nominate Dr. Cook for this award, and I was pleased when his selection was unanimously approved. Gary, you have a place in the pantheon of Baptist Higher Education, and we are honored to have you here with us tonight to accept the Charles D. Johnson Award. Congratulations, and thank you for all you have done."

Dr. Cook arrived on the DBU campus in 1988 when he was named president of the university. For 28 years, he served as DBU’s president, where the Lord worked through him to exponentially grow the student population, academic offerings, campus grounds, and more. Dr. Cook acted as the Lord’s faithful servant throughout his presidency on University Hill, trusting Him around every turn. In 2016, Dr. Cook became Chancellor of DBU, and Dr. Adam C. Wright was elected president. The DBU Family is incredibly blessed to have Dr. Cook continuing to serve the campus as Chancellor.