Dr. William J. Cook, a native Alabamian, split time in the early years of his career between military service, preaching, and academic studies. He would receive an honorable discharge from the Army at the rank of 1st Lieutenant before deciding to pursue advanced degrees at Auburn University. He and his family would later move to Montgomery following Dr. Cook’s appointment as Assistant Vice President of Auburn University at Montgomery to help plan, build and pursue accreditation for the recently announced AUM campus.

His passion for education would eventually lead to the founding of The Colonial Group, later known as The Cambrian Group, in 1977. Dr. Cook and his associates spent 44 years working with school administrators across 1,500 districts. His 1986 book, “Strategic Planning for America’s Schools”, is still considered an essential text in college graduate programs across the country.

Dr. Cook’s noble purpose was serving the many educators he met in his accomplished lifetime. He thrived on new challenges and treasured the relationships he made along the way. Dr. Cook’s legacy now continues through the work of The Cambrian Group Associates and our commitment to the service of others.