Remembering Ida Cook
The UCF community reflects on the legacy of Ida Cook, former member of the Board of Trustees and Emerita Associate Professor of Sociology.
By Jason Ford and Sultana Ali | Published August 27, 2025
The College of Sciences faculty and staff and wider university community are mourning the passing of Dr. Ida Cook, Emerita Associate Professor of Sociology. As a former member of the Board of Trustees at UCF and devoted faculty member serving in a number of vital roles across campus, Dr. Cook leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to higher education, community engagement, and faculty advocacy.
Dr. Cook grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and went on to receive her Ph.D. at North Carolina State University. With a goal to teach students research, theory, political sociology and community-based applied sociology, she became one of the pioneering members of the institution’s academic community, joining UCF in 1976, when it was known as Florida Technological University.
Over her 39-year tenure at UCF, Dr. Cook shaped the university and Central Florida in a lasting way, working with undergraduate and graduate research students, assisting local social service agencies and municipalities, and representing UCF faculty as she engaged with world leaders, including Bishop Desmond Tutu and Lech Walesa. Notably, she played a foundational role in the creation of the master’s program in Applied Sociology, a program that continues to thrive today with its strong emphasis on community-based, applied research from her capacity serving as the Graduate Program Director in Sociology.
Her commitment to UCF extended well beyond the classroom. From 2001 to 2003, she served as Interim Director of the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning, helping guide faculty development and support. She was a stalwart presence in university governance, serving on the Faculty Senate for more than 30 years in various leadership roles. As Senate Chair, she also served on the UCF Board of Trustees, where she made history as the first faculty member to chair a committee, the Educational Programs Committee.
Beyond her academic and administrative achievements, Dr. Cook was a passionate supporter of UCF athletics, cheering on the Knights with enduring school spirit and pride. She enjoyed travel, exploring new perspectives, and bettering the communities around her through advancing knowledge and serving others.
Dr. Cook will be remembered not only for her many contributions to UCF, but also for her deep generosity of spirit, her tireless advocacy for faculty and students, and her belief in the transformative power of education. She leaves behind a strong legacy that will continue to shape the university and the lives of those she mentored, taught, and worked alongside.
A Memorial Service has been scheduled on Sunday September 14th at 3:00pm at the University Carillon Methodist Church, 1395 Campus View Court, Oviedo FL, 32765.