Dr. Betty Ann Cook of Mableton, executive director for community outreach and engagement at Chattahoochee Technical College, was named South Cobb’s citizen of the year for 2013 in May.
She began her career at Chattahoochee Tech in 2004 and has served as director of college research, acting dean of the Austell campus, colleges ombudsperson, and as a special assistant to the president for international affairs. In her current position. She is focused on creating long-term partnerships with businesses, community leaders, faith based, civic organizations, community groups, government entities, agencies and schools.
She is often seen coordinating clean up days and improvement projects in the community, participating as a principal for the day at local elementary schools and assisting in the planning of fundraising events for the Cobb Library Foundation.
“She represents the college very well. She can fit into any group and is a pleasure to work with her,” said Dr. Ron Newcomb, president of ChattahoocheeTechnicalCollege. “She is hardwired toward building community, building bridges and forming relationships.”
A Fulbright-Hays International Scholar, she holds degrees in social work from HowardUniversity and AtlantaUniversity, as well as a doctorate in educational administration. Dr. Cook is a lifetime member of the Cobb NAACP, Cobb Library Foundation Board, Cobb Faith Partnership board, and Grace Faith Ministries board as well as a member or board member of several local organizations and nonprofit groups.
“She has a heart that is truly giving and humble,” said Deanne Bonner, president Cobb NAACP.
Nominations are solicited yearly with a selection committee making the final decision as to who has demonstrated through definable, exceptional deeds that he or she has made the South Cobb area a better place to live and work. Cook was honored in a luncheon ceremony by the South
“She is the epitome of grace and kindness,” said Carol Ney of the library foundation noting that Dr. Cook created a video to promote Cobb libraries that won a national award over 11,000 entries.
Thanking the Rotary Club and Chamber for the award, Dr. Cook said that CobbCounty was a great place to live, play and work.
The award was presented by the South Cobb Rotary and Cobb Chamber at PresbyterianVillage in a ceremony May 16 that included speakers and a video message from her daughter who lives in New York City.
From the June 2013 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton and Austell, GA.
