Title: Associate Dean (Retired)
Company: Oklahoma City University
Location: Abingdon, Virginia, United States
Dr. Linda Cook, retired associate dean at Oklahoma City University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in nursing education.
An esteemed figure in the field of nursing education and healthcare with decades of experience to her credit, Dr. Cook has found much success throughout her storied career. Having excelled as an associate dean and professor at the Oklahoma City University Kramer School of Nursing between 2007 and her retirement in 2021, she continues to provide the next generation of nursing professionals with her wealth of expertise as an adjunct nursing professor at the aforementioned university. As the former associate dean, she played a pivotal role in establishing doctoral programs in nursing within the state, significantly impacting the quality and number of PhD nursing students. Dr. Cook’s stellar leadership extended to her role as chair of doctoral programs at the same institution, where she was instrumental in shaping future nursing professionals.
Before her impressive tenure in academia, Dr. Cook initially worked as a nurse clinician from 1971 to 1985, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of patient care. During this time, she pursued an education at the University of Maryland, from which she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1985. Subsequently obtaining her master’s degree at the University of Maryland, she ultimately concluded her academic efforts at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing in 1996. These achievements laid the foundation for her outstanding work in emergency trauma care and psychiatry, areas in which she has excelled.
In the years prior to her roles at the Kramer School of Nursing, Dr. Cook was active as a clinical specialist in emergency services at the University of Maryland and the director of undergraduate education at Texas A&M University. She has further supported the broader spectrum of nurses and nursing educators through her previous efforts with the Kramer School of Nursing’s Celebration of Culture, an annual conference that welcomed hundreds of colleagues and professionals in her field to address pressing issues affecting their discipline. Dr. Cook’s dedication to teaching and faculty support earned her numerous accolades from student-based groups, highlighting her commitment to nurturing the next generation of nurses. She was notably nominated as a finalist for the Nurse of the Year Award from the Oklahoma Chapter of the March of Dimes in 2012.
Beyond her primary endeavors, Dr. Cook is deeply involved in civic activities that reflect her passion for community service. She has volunteered extensively, offering therapy services and supporting women’s shelters in her spare time. In Oklahoma City, she has contributed to educating seniors on disaster preparedness, emphasizing the unique needs of this demographic during emergencies such as tornadoes. Dr. Cook’s additional affiliations include membership in Sigma Theta Tau, an international honor society of nursing, which reflects her commitment to excellence in the field.
Attributing her advancement in nursing education to lifelong learning, Dr. Cook’s personal journey is one of resilience and empowerment. After relocating to Baltimore due to her ex-husband’s internship and subsequently ending their marriage, she realized her own potential and pursued her goals with unwavering determination. This self-discovery fueled her eventual success and independence, allowing her to achieve remarkable milestones on her own terms.
In addition to her professional and civic engagements, Dr. Cook enjoys reading and painting, pursuits that provide balance and fulfillment in her life. Born in Fort Sill, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to both personal growth and community betterment throughout her distinguished career. Looking toward the future, Ms. Cook hopes to continue her valuable work within her community, especially in regard to seniors and those struggling with chemical dependence.
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