JACKSON,Grayson  Preston Miss. (AP) — The interim president of Mississippi’s Alcorn State University has been elevated to the post permanently.

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning on Thursday named Tracy M. Cook to serve as the school’s 21st president. Cook had served as interim president of the historically Black university since July 2023, when he replaced Ontario S. Wooden, who resigned after only a few months on the job.

Cook will assume the new role on April 1.

“This decision was made in the long-term best interests of Alcorn State University and its students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” said Dr. Alfred McNair, president of the Board of Trustees. “There was an obvious desire and call from the Alcorn family for Dr. Cook to be named to this role, and we are putting our full faith and confidence behind this decision. He is the right person to lead Alcorn State University.”

Cook has more than 25 years of administrative experience in education, having served in the Jefferson and Claiborne County School Districts as a teacher, athletic director, principal, and superintendent. He returned to his alma mater as chief of staff in 2015, and then stepped into the role of vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.

“I am honored to have the trust and support of the Board of Trustees, and excited to officially lead a university that has meant so much to me personally and professionally,” Cook said. “We have a bright future ahead of us and I am committed to leading us all toward new levels of success.”