University of Kansas After receiving his PhD, Cook worked as a senior administrator at the
University of Kansas Medical Center for 14 years. His titles included: associate vice chancellor of the Institute for Community Engagement, associate director of the Institute of Community and Public Health, executive director of the Midwest Cancer Alliance, assistant vice chancellor for public affairs, and director of health and technology outreach. In 2013, Cook was named the vice chancellor for the
University of Kansas Edwards Campus and dean of the School of Professional Studies. He moved to the main campus of the
University of Kansas in
Lawrence, Kansas, in 2020 as the vice chancellor of public affairs and economic development. As a senior advisor to chancellor
Douglas Girod, Cook oversaw internal and external messaging, outreach, and public relations. He also advised on issues related to communication, public affairs, and economic development in 2011. He completed his fellowship at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During his fellowship, Cook studied the School of Public Health. He is the author of numerous publications and has taught both in the School of Medicine and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Kansas.
North Dakota State University In January 2022, Cook was named one of five finalists for the position of president at
North Dakota State University in
Fargo, North Dakota. The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) in
North Dakota named David J. Cook the 15th president of
North Dakota State University on February 23, 2022. He assumed the position on May 17, 2022, succeeding
Dean L. Bresciani. Cook's final day at NDSU was February 9, 2026.
Iowa State University In 2025, Cook was named president of
Iowa State University, succeeding
Wendy Wintersteen. == Awards and honors ==