The Utah Board of Regents has unanimously chosen Bradley J. Cook as the seventeenth president of Snow College. Harris Simmons, Chair of the Board of Regents, described Cook as a dynamic leader in higher education and a nationally respected scholar whose dedication to academic excellence will help ensure the college continues to thrive.
Cook was selected following a search process conducted by a 22-member presidential search committee. The committee was co-chaired by Regent Mark Stoddard and Snow College Trustee Chair Scott Bushnell, which narrowed an extensive pool of applicants down to four finalists.
Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Dave Buhler noted that Cook first arrived on the Snow College campus as a freshman many years ago. Buhler stated that the college will benefit from Cook's commitment to student success and his significant experience in higher education.
Prior to this appointment, Cook served as the Provost at Southern Utah University. During his tenure there, he worked to establish the university as a leader in applied learning environments and expanded international initiatives. His leadership at SUU included achieving record high student success rates and creating more than 25 new academic programs and centers.
Cook's professional background also includes serving as President of the Abu Dhabi Women’s College in the United Arab Emirates. He previously spent eight years at Utah Valley State College, serving as Vice President of College Relations and later as Vice President of Academic Affairs. Cook holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Stanford University and a doctorate from the University of Oxford.
In response to his selection, President Cook expressed his honor in leading Snow College. He stated his intention to ensure the college remains student-centered, affordable, and serves as an economic driver for Central Utah and the state. He also noted his desire to work with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
This transition follows the announcement by current Snow College President Gary L. Carlston, who intended to retire at the end of the academic year. Carlston was scheduled to remain in his role until May 17, 2019.
