Dr. James Cook of Lexington has been appointed to the position of Director of Institutional Advancement at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College / Executive Director of the DSLCC Educational Foundation, it has been announced by DSLCC President Dr. John Rainone.
Dr. Cook replaces Rachael Thompson, who recently took over as the head of the DSLCC Business Program. 
Dr. Cook’s first day on the job was May 26.
“Dr. Cook is a highly accomplished executive fundraiser with a successful history with individuals, corporate, and foundation partners,” noted Dr. Rainone.
Dr. Cook is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) where his knowledge base and experience includes annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, donor relations, volunteer involvement, and leadership and management.
“In addition, Dr. Cook is skilled at developing community partnerships and has been a leader in the community with a number of organizations and nonprofits,” continued Dr. Rainone.
"I am eager for Dr. James Cook to meet the DSLCC campus community, students, alumni, and donors,” said Michelle Crook, president of the DSLCC Educational Foundation Board. “Dr. Cook brings a tremendous amount of relevant experience to the position. I know he will do a fantastic job in role of Institutional Advancement and as Executive Director of the Educational Foundation."
Dr. Cook has held positions as Corporate & Foundation Relations with the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Executive Director of Rockbridge Family Services, Executive Director of Clinical Collaboration & Education with Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Chief Operating Officer with Sayre Enterprises. Dr. Cook has also worked with over 200 volunteers and supervised teams of up to 160.
Dr. Cook holds a bachelor's degree from Methodist University; a master's degree from Liberty University; and is a May 2020 doctoral graduate from the University of Lynchburg.
For more information about the DSLCC Educational Foundation, or to make a donation, please contact Dr. Cook at (540) 863-2837 or email jcook@dslcc.edu, or visit the website at www.dslcc.edu/give.