gchildress@heraldsun.com; 918-1046
CHAPEL HILL -- The UNC Board of Governors on Friday awarded James R. Cook, associate professor of psychology at UNC Charlotte, its third annual Award for Excellence in Public Service.
Cook, a professor at UNCC for the past 29 years, received the award, which recognizes distinguished public service and outreach by faculty across the UNC system, during a Board of Governors meeting at which he received two standing ovations.
A community psychologist by training, Cook specializes in improving the lives of people marginalized or overlooked by society, including the homeless, the economically disadvantaged, people with physical or mental disabilities, the elderly and the families of children with serious emotional or behavioral problems.
"He is UNC Tomorrow in action," said UNC system President Erskine Bowles, referring to the system's plan to improve and transform North Carolina through teaching, research and scholarship and public service.
Cook said he was thrilled to be honored and recognized for public service. He quipped that over the years, some of his bosses have told him that he should spend less time on community service and more time publishing.
"My wife will attest that I don't listen to that type of advice," Cook said. "Serving the community is part of my being."
Cook said he found a way to integrate community service into his teachings. Every student in every class Cook teaches is involved in some form of community service.
In addition to his work with the disadvantaged, a news release noted that Cook has been a trusted link between UNCC and the city and county agencies and community organizations that serve these vulnerable groups.
"Time and again, he has volunteered to serve on regional task forces and committees and has helped numerous non-profit organizations develop strategic plans, write grant proposals, develop training materials for family care-givers, evaluate services, and build coalitions," the news release said.
Cook has been credited with helping community organizations in Charlotte secure more than $24 million in external grant funding to serve the homeless and mentally ill.
The 2009 award carries a $7,500 cash prize.
Previously, Cook has been honored with the Pete Peterson Distinguished Service Award of the Mecklenburg County Mental Health Association and the President's Award of the N. C. Mental Health Association.
