Lander University Taps Clinton’s Taylor Cook for Advancement Leadership Role

Lander University today announced that Taylor Cook, an experienced veteran in higher education with roots in South Carolina’s Upstate, has been selected as the University’s next Vice President for University Advancement.

Cook, currently the senior director for development for the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University, will begin at Lander on July 14. He will oversee all fundraising, alumni relations and advancement activities. Cook will also serve as the executive director of The Lander Foundation.

“Taylor Cook’s passion for philanthropy and extensive experience will be valuable for the Lander community,” said Lander President Richard Cosentino. “As Lander continues its remarkable growth in enrollment and academic opportunities, Taylor’s leadership and fundraising skills will be instrumental in sustaining that momentum and in helping to shape the University’s next chapter of excellence.”

Cook said he is excited to join the Lander family and contribute to Lander’s continued success.

“Lander’s trajectory over the past decade has been truly remarkable,” Cook commented. “I’m excited to build upon the University’s incredible momentum, fostering even stronger relationships with our alumni and friends, and securing the resources necessary to propel Lander to new heights in the years to come.”

Cook, originally from Clinton, has family ties to Lander and to Greenwood, and is excited to work in a familiar area that is important to the entire family. He and his wife, Virginia, have a six-year-old son, McKinley, and a three-year-old daughter, Mia, who keep them “laughing and constantly entertained,” he said.