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Homer Martien Cook graduated from
LaGrange College in Missouri before going on to the University
of Chicago then graduating from the Columbia School of Expression.
He pastored the Baptist Church in Maryville and also taught physical
culture and expression at the Normal School until shortly before
becoming president.
A noted orator, Cook is said to have been popular with the student
body, but he had a troubled presidency beset with conflict and
fiscal difficulties. The chronic financial crisis deepened in
1908 when Missouri’s auditor cut off funds for educational
institutions statewide, forcing the Northwest faculty to work
without pay.
Cook quit in the summer of 1909, but there was a dispute over
when his resignation took effect. The Board of Regents hired Dr.
Henry Kirby Taylor as the school’s new leader but allowed
Cook to continue living in the Gaunt House (the official presidential
residence) until Jan. 1, 1910. In essence, during the four months
between Sept. 1, 1909 and Jan. 1, 1910, Northwest had two presidents.
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Presidents
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