Richard J. Cook

​Richard J. Cook is president emeritus of Allegheny College where he served for 12 years. Previously, he was provost of Kalamazoo College following 16 years of service as a chemistry professor, division chair, and faculty leader there. He consults internationally on university board structure and effectiveness. Cook is past chair of the board of directors of Second Nature, the founding and umbrella organization of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, and has held leadership roles in the Great Lakes Colleges Association, Annapolis Group, North Coast Athletic Conference, Bonner Foundation, and CIC. Earlier, he held gubernatorial appointments to the Michigan Toxic Substance Control Commission and the Environmental Science Advisory Board of the State of Michigan. In recognition of his achievements, Allegheny College awarded Cook honorary alumni status, the Alumni Medal, and an honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters.