William Carey University (WCU) has inducted Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president of Alcorn State University, into its Alumni Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held on April 4 during Homecoming at WCU’s Hattiesburg campus.
“Carey alumni are making a difference in Mississippi and around the world. This year’s inductees are volunteering in their community, shaping lives, and making a lasting impact for the Kingdom of God,” said Pam Shearer, WCU’s director of alumni engagement.
William Carey University President Ben Burnett, right, welcomes Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president of Alcorn State University, into the WCU Alumni Hall of Fame.
He previously held various administrative positions at Alcorn, including interim president, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, and chief of staff.
Before joining Alcorn, Cook worked in the Jefferson County and Claiborne County school districts as superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, athletic director, and teacher.
“It is deeply humbling to receive an honor of this magnitude from William Carey University,” said Cook. “Thank you to the William Carey administration and selection committee for such a noteworthy recognition. The education that I received at William Carey changed the trajectory of my career and provided me with the tools for success. The values and standards instilled in me during my time here continue to guide my work today.”
Cook earned a Specialist degree in education from William Carey in 2017 and followed it up with a Doctor of Education degree from WCU in 2020. A native of Fayette, he had previously received three degrees from Alcorn State University—a bachelor’s in agricultural economics and master’s degrees in agronomy and educational administration/supervision.
In addition, he served on WCU’s Program of Research & Evaluation for Public Schools Advisory Committee and other professional and educational groups – including Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s board of trustees. He also co-founded the Southwest Mississippi Educator Conference.
In 2015, Cook was inducted into the Alcorn Sports Hall of Fame. In 2023, he received the Southwestern Athletic Conference Alumni Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
He is married to the former Dr. Crystal Smith Cook, and they have two children, Kennedi and Casey.
Other individuals inducted into the 2025 WCU Alumni Hall of Fame include David Bush, a bank executive vice president; Jacqueline Clavo-Hall, a certified registered nurse anesthetist; and Bobby Halford, a head baseball coach.
