Growing CIU School of Business named for Influential Southeastern Business Leaders

By Bob Holmes and Alex Brickey 

Columbia International University dedicated its Business School to John and Lyn Cook, owners of Cook’s Pest Control, America’s eighth-largest pest control company headquartered in Decatur, Alabama.

The John and Lyn Cook School of Business is the fastest growing school on campus with over 600 students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Some of the newest degree offerings include a master’s degree in Health Administration and a master's in Public Administration. 

Because of the Cook’s generosity, new funding will be used to expand business programming, offer scholarships and host Christian business leaders for workshops and seminars.

For more than 90 years, Cook’s Pest Control has served homeowners and businesses across the Southeast and is known for integrity, community involvement, and commitment to excellence, earning the prestigious International Torch Award from The Better Business Bureau, the  highest award for business ethics in the nation. That’s because from its earliest days, Cook’s has been dedicated to God, and entrusted to operate for His honor and glory.

“We are privileged and grateful that the Cook family has recognized those qualities and invested in the CIU School of Business and its students,” said Scott Adams, the dean of the CIU School of Business. “This partnership will provide additional program resources, and the Cook family's international reputation for excellence will further enhance the placement of CIU's students in businesses and ministries worldwide.”  

At a Chapel service preceding the dedication, Lynn Cook encouraged students to approach marketplace careers as "a platform for spreading the gospel."

Seth Moore, a senior who will graduate from the Cook School of Business, said CIU has done a great job in training "ministering professionals," graduates who follow the lead of the Cooks and minister in the marketplace. 

"Ever since I was a little kid I wanted to go into the workplace and minister to people," Moore said. "CIU has equipped me well to do that." 

Colby Hull, president of the campus club Fellowship of Christian Professionals, enjoyed hearing about the reputation of the Cook family.

"I’m excited that the donors are interested in missions and I hope that will help keep CIU focused on the goal of missions in their business program," Hull said. 

The Cook family has a long history with CIU. Lyn Cook has served on the CIU Board of Trustees for 12 years, while John Cook is a 1972 graduate of Ben Lippen School, CIU’s Pre-K to 12th grade Christian school.

Check out the media coverage of the event with Cola Daily. Hear CIU Chancellor Dr. Bill Jones recount the history of Cook's Pest Control and its relationship to CIU on CIU's podcast page. 

With record enrollment for five straight years, CIU consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary at (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024 or ciu.edu.