Clyde Cook

Clyde Cook (June 1, 1935 – April 11, 2008) served as president of Biola University in La Mirada, California from 1982 to 2007.

Cook was born on June 1, 1935, in Hong Kong, the fourth of six children, and a third generation missionary. During World War II, his family was imprisoned in three different concentration camps. In 1942 he was reunited with his poverty stricken family in South Africa.

By 1947, the Cooks had moved to the United States, and settled in Laguna Beach, California. In 1953, Cook showed that he had talent in basketball and won the California Interscholastic Federation basketball player of the year award. He was awarded athletics scholarships to 13 different major universities but instead chose to go to Biola College.

From 1963 to 1967, Cook and his wife Anna Belle served as missionaries in Cebu, Philippines with Overseas Crusades (founded by Dick Hillis). During this time, Cook traveled to 72 different countries doing various missions related activities and representing the College.

Returning to Biola in 1967 as an Assistant Professor of Missions, Cook was then appointed Director of Intercultural Studies and Missions and helped to develop Biola's program in cross-cultural education. Called to the presidency of O.C. Ministries (formerly Overseas Crusades) in 1978, he guided the mission organization to an increased level of financial stability and multiplied foreign field involvement.

Cook served on the Biola Board of Trustees from 1980 to 1982 when he was invited by a unanimous vote of the Board to assume the seventh presidency of Biola University on June 1, 1982.

Cook has served for seven years on the Board of Directors of the Christian College Coalition, and one year as its chair. He also served for six years on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and served as the president of that organization for two years. He served on the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation task force. He served several years as a member of the steering committee for the Fellowship of Evangelical Seminary Presidents, and for six years on the executive committee of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of California.

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