Colby Cook, UC Class of 2017, 2018, 2021, & 2023 – Yes, FOUR UC degrees!

Colby Cook’s academic journey is a testament to dedication, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to learning. A Navy serviceman for the past 17 years, Colby began his higher education journey in 2013 and embarked on his studies at the University of Charleston (UC) in 2016. His educational achievements are both impressive and inspirational.

“I was introduced to UC during a briefing that the Naval Special Warfare personnel receive annually. The brief covers several options for colleges and UC was one of the choices. After asking around, I was advised that Charleston worked best with a military lifestyle schedule. All my professors had some kind of military connection and understood what kind of off tempo schedules we deal with. I found it to be accommodating and had a wonderful experience. I am a big advocate for UC.”

In 2017, Colby completed his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “Everything I learned in that program carried over to my Navy career, it was very helpful. Once I completed the OL degree, I was offered the opportunity to do a few more courses to complete my master’s in strategic leadership.” This degree not only enhanced his skills but also proved advantageous in his military career. Colby noted, “I was able to use the skills learned in the strategic leadership classes to speak with high-ranking officials stateside and overseas. It is favorable for E6 ranking Petty Officers like me to have a master’s degree and I was able to use that to my advantage.”

At the conclusion of his master’s program, Colby was introduced to the Doctorate of Executive Leadership (DEL) by Professor Mary Frank. He spent the next three years diligently working on his doctorate, which he completed in 2021. “The program helped me out a lot with networking skills and taught me a lot about the executive level of leadership,” Colby remarked. He acknowledged the invaluable support of Dr. John Barnette, Dr. Calvin Lathan, and Dr. Kristen Dugin, who were instrumental in his academic growth.

After a brief respite following his doctorate, Colby’s thirst for knowledge led him to enroll in the Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt certification program at UC, which he completed in six months. His dedication to continuous improvement did not stop there; he then pursued a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), motivated by his desire to support his wife’s meal prep business. “I utilize the Lean Six and the MBA program education mostly to help support my wife’s shop. The leadership degrees I utilize daily in my naval community,” Colby explained.

Stationed at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, Colby serves with Special Boat Team 22, organizing, training, and equipping Naval Special Warfare Maritime detachments. He leverages his extensive education in his day-to-day activities as a SWCC (Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman). Colby’s future includes completing 20 years of military service, then a possible reenlistment (if his wife approves).

After the military, his goals are as ambitious as his past achievements. He aims to run for Superintendent in his local public education system, inspired by his mother’s 33-year career as an English teacher. He is passionate about the correct allocation of funds and the best candidates being placed in administrative positions. While in the Navy, Colby completed an instructor tour and is a certified master training specialist. That experience would translate to a teaching certificate in some states. He has also spent time teaching online English courses to Chinese students and as an instructor of jiu jitsu. He has been teaching in person, online, or on the mat for years and feels serving in an administrative position within the local school system would be a natural next step.

Colby resides in Louisiana with his wife and four daughters. His educational journey at the University of Charleston is a remarkable narrative of balancing military service with academic excellence, continuously seeking knowledge, and applying it to both professional and personal spheres.