Columbia College names Howard M. Cook as Interim Associate Vice President of Safety and Emergency Services
September 23, 2025
Columbia College is pleased to announce the appointment of Howard M. Cook as Interim Associate Vice President of Safety and Emergency Services. Cook, who previously served the College for 17 years, 14 of those as Chief of Police, returns to campus with more than three decades of law enforcement and safety leadership experience.
“Howard’s dedication to his alma mater, Columbia College, and his unmatched expertise in campus safety made him an immediate choice for this role,” said Columbia College President Dr. John H. Dozier. “His vision, experience, and commitment to service will move our Police Department and emergency operations forward in powerful ways. We are thrilled to welcome him back home.”
Cook’s distinguished career spans 34 years in law enforcement. A graduate of the FBI National Academy (224th Session), he has held leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. Most recently, he served as Coordinator of Safety and Emergency Services for Lexington School District One, supporting more than 27,000 students across 32 schools. Previously, Cook was the Executive Director of the FBI National Academy Associates in Quantico, Va., representing 17,000 members across 48 chapters worldwide. He also served as Executive Director of Field Operations for Savant Learning Systems and, as mentioned previously, Chief of Police for Columbia College.
Under Cook’s leadership, the Columbia College Police Department received national and state recognition, including the National Exemplary School Safety Award (2013), the SCAA Crime Prevention Award (2009), and the Santee Cooper Award of Excellence in Law Enforcement (2006). Beyond campus, Cook has been a vocal advocate at the South Carolina State House, lobbying for training and funding for campus law enforcement.
He has held prominent leadership positions across professional organizations, including President of the South Carolina FBI National Academy Associates, Past President of the South Carolina Campus Law Enforcement Association, roles within the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, and was a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the South Carolina Police Chiefs’ Association.
Cook holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Midlands Technical College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma, and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia College. He is also a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School’s Crisis Management in Higher Education program.
A devoted husband to his wife Jane and father to their three children, Cook brings not only professional distinction but also deep personal commitment to the Columbia College community.
Reflecting on his return to the College, Cook shared: “Absolutely! It’s great to be home, and I’m looking forward to protecting and serving this campus community as we get to know each other again.”
Cook assumed his role earlier this month and has already begun advancing campus safety and emergency initiatives.
About Columbia College
Founded in 1854, Columbia College educates women and men to build successful careers and live lives of impact. The College’s liberal arts foundation ensures that students learn to think critically, develop their curiosity, and nurture a love for learning. With a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Columbia College students benefit from individualized support, engaged instruction, and personal mentorship. With more than 30 undergraduate programs and eight graduate programs, students can discover and pursue their passion and purpose.
