A Tribute to Dr. Gary Cook - Dallas Baptist University

“Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him,and he shall direct your paths.”-Proverbs 3:5-65 yearsis through his dedication and concernfor the lives of individual students. He iswell-known across campus for befriendingstudents on the walking trails orin the Fitness Center, always seekingopportunities to encourage, advise, orbless those whom he meets.As he would attest, Dr. Cook’s greatestasset in ministering to students hasalways been his wife, Sheila, who hasmade DBU more than just a day-job buta place that fosters community, fellowship,and friendship. One of the mostremarkable characteristics of the Cookshas been their willingness to open theirhome and their lives to make peoplefeel welcome and included at DBU.Their sons, David (30) and Mark (26),literally grew up on University Hill,being exposed to all facets of collegelife. They both attended the DBU LabSchool, were babysat by DBU students,and were baptized in the Crowley Complexpool. “Growing up at DBU, I got tosee how Christianity was lived out fromevery part of life: from my home life togoing to school to seeing people work,”Mark explains. “I really had a sense thatChristianity was more than just a privatefaith; there is a sense here that Godreally impacts every part of life.”However, the greatest model of theChristian faith for David and Mark hasbeen their parents. “Prayer has been thenumber one thing I have taken awayfrom watching both Mom and Dad asparents,” Mark continues. “Dad has beenvery candid about the role of prayerand how it helped DBU to get to whereit is today. He embodied that every dayat home. Prayer is such a foundationalpart of who he is. When he’s making adecision, he prays about it. I’ve learnedmost from Mom and Dad how to havean active prayer life.”As faithful as Dr. Cookhas been in investinghimself to the University,he has been equallycommitted to his family.“He has always beenso encouraging to me,”says David. “I don’t knowthat every dad tells theirchildren they love themas much as he does. He’salways been intentionalto tell us he loves usand is proud of us. Healways told me the Lordhas plans for me andloves me; he has alwaysbeen there with adviceand love and has alwayscared.”In a tribute concerningthe life and work ofDr. Gary Cook, endlesslists could be compiledof his civic involvement,denominational work,university leadership,and family commitment.Ultimately, however, thegreatest attribute of Dr.Cook that needs to bementioned, as his primarymotivation in all of his life,is his dedication to theLord and the furthering ofHis Kingdom.Throughout his tenure at DallasBaptist University, Dr. Cook has commonlyquoted Albert Schweitzer’sadage that states: “I don’t know whatyour destiny will be, but one thing Iknow: the only ones among you whowill be really happy are those who will10 years15 years20 yearshave sought and found how to serve.” Ofall the words that have been and will besaid about DBU President Dr. Gary Cook,the most important will always be thathe has served the Lord and DBU, seekingthe greatest integrity, dedication, andfaithfulness.DBU Report 25th Anniversary 37