Dr. Stephanie Frazier Cook named Interim President and CEO of South Carolina ETV and Public Radio

February 10, 2023

Dr. Cook to move into interim leadership role on March 4

The ETV Commission has selected Dr. Stephanie Frazier Cook to serve as Interim President and CEO of South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV). Dr. Cook will begin serving as Interim President and CEO on March 4.

On Feb. 2, current President and CEO Anthony Padgett announced his departure from SCETV after six years in the role. Padgett’s last day at SCETV will be March 3, and he will begin his new role as the Thomas Rieland Endowed General Manager of WOSU Public Media in Columbus, OH, on March 6.

The ETV Commission selected Dr. Cook for the interim role during a previously scheduled Commission meeting on Feb. 8. During this meeting, the ETV Commission also decided it will establish a search committee in the coming weeks to fill the network’s President and CEO position.

Dr. Cook currently serves as the Assistant General Manager at SCETV, leading the coordination of activities for finance, education, content development, communications and underwriting. During her tenure with SCETV, she has led the station’s national and local work around datacasting for education, increased the station’s involvement in workforce development initiatives, enhanced community engagement activities around youth voices and facilitated the redesign of the station’s premier educational website – knowitall.org.

Dr. Cook has approximately 20 years of experience in administration, education and multimedia content development. She received her undergraduate degree in Business, Master’s degree in Educational Technology and her Ph.D. in Educational Administration, all from the University of South Carolina.

“I’m honored to lead such a talented team through this transition. We have several exciting initiatives in the pipeline – from developing educational platforms and creating new content, to upgrading technology and expanding our funding streams. During my time as Interim President and CEO, I will work to ensure that we continue SCETV’s legacy of providing first-class content and resources to viewers and listeners across the state.” -SCETV Assistant General Manager Dr. Stephanie Cook

“Over the past six years, I’ve gotten the chance to see the positive impact that Dr. Cook has on our staff, content and community partners. She is fully prepared to lead SCETV, and her experience will keep the agency on a steady path forward. Dr. Cook moving into the role of Interim President and CEO is a great example of SCETV’s efforts to cultivate talent and provide an environment where staff can grow.” -SCETV President and CEO Anthony Padgett

“Dr. Cook is a respected and valued leader of SCETV. Making the decision to name her as Interim President and CEO is the best choice to guide the agency during this transition. Her leadership will help ensure stability within the organization as we (the ETV Commission) move to the next step in naming the new President and CEO.” -ETV Commission Chair Richard Cohn

FAST FACTS

  • The ETV Commission has selected Dr. Stephanie Frazier Cook to serve as Interim President and CEO of SCETV.
  • Dr. Cook will begin serving as Interim President and CEO on March 4.
  • Current President and CEO Anthony Padgett will begin his new role as the General Manager of WOSU Public Media in Columbus, OH on March 6.
  • The ETV Commission will establish a search committee in the coming weeks to fill the network’s President and CEO position.
  • Dr. Cook currently serves as the Assistant General Manager at SCETV, leading the coordination of activities for finance, education, content development, communications and underwriting.

 

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, Expeditions, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice and Live from Charleston Music Hall. In addition, SC Public Radio produces Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.