Robert A. Cook

Robert A. Cook – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the life of Robert A. Cook (1912–1991): his journey as an American educator, Christian author, radio broadcaster, and college president. Explore his biography, impact, philosophy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Robert Andrew Cook (June 7, 1912 – March 11, 1991) was a prominent American Christian educator, administrator, pastor, radio broadcaster, and author. Over the course of his life, he held key leadership roles, notably serving as the president (and later chancellor) of The King’s College in New York, and influencing countless lives through his writings and radio ministry. His legacy continues through his books and the many whose lives were touched by his teaching and encouragement.

Early Life and Family

Robert A. Cook was born on June 7, 1912 in Santa Clara, California to Charles and Daisy Cook.

He married Coreen Nilsen in 1935, and the couple had three daughters named Carolyn, Marilyn, and Lois.

Youth and Education

At the age of 16, Cook enrolled at Moody Bible Institute to pursue Christian studies and training. Wheaton College in Illinois where he earned his B.A. degree. Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1931.

His early education and formation imbued in him a blend of scholarship, faith, and commitment to Christian leadership, which shaped his later roles.

Career and Achievements

Pastoral Ministry

After ordination, Cook served for 18 years as a full-time pastor before transitioning into broader educational and broadcasting roles. During these pastoral years, he honed his skills in preaching, discipleship, and leadership, laying a foundation for his later influence.

Leadership at The King’s College

In 1962, Cook was appointed the second president of The King’s College (then located in Briarcliff Manor, New York). 1985, after which he became Chancellor until his death in 1991.

Under his leadership, The King’s College experienced growth in academic programs, institutional stability, and increased visibility. Beyond administrative duties, he infused the institution with a Christian vision and encouraged students and faculty toward spiritual as well as intellectual growth.

Roles in Christian & Radio Broadcasting

Cook’s reach extended far beyond the campus. He hosted a long-running radio program called The King’s Hour, later renamed Walk with the King, which was broadcast for 29 years.

His signature radio introduction and farewells became familiar to many:

“Hello my radio friend… how in the world are you?”
And his closing line:
“Until I meet you once again by way of radio, walk with the King today, and be a blessing!”

Cook also held leadership roles in Christian organizations. From 1962 to 1964, he served as president of the National Association of Evangelicals. 1985 to 1988, he was president of the National Religious Broadcasters.

Authorship & Writings

Cook was a prolific Christian author. His best-known book is Now That I Believe, initially published in 1949. 27 languages and has sold over one million copies.

Beyond this, he wrote many articles, devotionals, and other works intended to nurture faith, character, and spiritual growth in readers.

Historical Milestones & Context

• Cook’s tenure coincided with a period of growth for evangelical Protestant education and Christian institutional development in the mid-twentieth century.

• His leadership of The King’s College came at a time when Christian colleges were striving to balance academic excellence with faith-based identity.

• Through radio broadcasting, Cook was part of an era in which Christian radio became a significant medium for disseminating religious teaching and encouragement to a broad audience.

• His roles in national Christian organizations placed him in the middle of dialogues about evangelical identity, media, and religious communication in the U.S.

Legacy and Influence

Robert A. Cook left a legacy in several domains:

• Institutional Impact: His multi-decade leadership at The King’s College shaped the institution’s direction, reputation, and mission.

• Radio Ministry and Reach: Through Walk with the King, his voice and messages reached thousands or more listeners across the country, providing spiritual encouragement daily.

• Christian Thought & Devotion: His writings continue to be read, quoted, and used in devotional and church settings.

• Mentorship & Influence: Students, faculty, pastors, and readers carry forward lessons they learned from him, both in biblical insight and vocational commitment.

• Bridge between Academia and Faith: He embodied a model of Christian leadership that integrated intellectual rigor, pastoral care, and spiritual vision.

Though he passed away on March 11, 1991 in New York City, his influence lives on in the institutions, writings, and people he impacted.

Personality and Talents

Some key traits and strengths that characterized Robert A. Cook:

• Communicator: Whether in pulpit, classroom, or radio studio, Cook spoke with clarity, warmth, and conviction.

• Spiritual Leadership: He combined administrative competence with a pastoral heart, caring for people’s spiritual life, not just organizational health.

• Visionary: He saw possibilities for Christian higher education and media ministry, and worked persistently toward them.

• Humility: Despite his prominence, he often addressed listeners as “radio friend,” keeping a relational tone.

• Consistency: His long-term dedication—nearly three decades on radio, decades of institutional leadership—reflects perseverance and steadfastness.

• Faith-Centered: His choices and priorities were deeply rooted in his Christian convictions.

Famous Quotes of Robert A. Cook

Here are some memorable quotes and phrases attributed to Robert A. Cook:

• “Hello my radio friend… how in the world are you?” (signature radio opening)

• “Until I meet you once again by way of radio, walk with the King today, and be a blessing!” (radio closing)

• “Walk with the King” — more than a phrase, this became a guiding motto for his ministry and audience.

While his published works contain many more reflections, these lines capture his relational and pastoral approach to ministry and communication.

Lessons from Robert A. Cook

1. Long-term Faithfulness Yields Impact
   Cook’s decades of consistent work in radio, education, and leadership show that sustained dedication often outlasts a flash of brilliance.

2. Integrate Faith and Vocation
   He modeled that Christian conviction need not be separate from one’s professional life — theology, leadership, teaching, and administration can all flow from one’s faith.

3. Relational Communication Matters
   The warm tone of “radio friend” demonstrates that even when addressing many, establishing personal rapport can deepen influence.

4. Lead with Humility and Vision
   He combined dreaming big (building a strong Christian college, influencing national Christian bodies) with humility and service.

5. Use Every Platform
   Cook leveraged multiple venues — campus, pulpit, radio, writing — to reach diverse audiences with his message.

6. Invest in Others
   His mentorship, institutional leadership, and writing reflect a commitment to equipping and supporting others beyond his own career.

Conclusion

Robert A. Cook’s life weaves together roles as pastor, educator, broadcaster, and author, all grounded in Christian conviction and service. His leadership at The King’s College, his radio ministry, and his writings touched generations with spiritual insight, encouragement, and challenge. His approach—combining faith, learning, humility, and communication—remains relevant in a context where many seek to integrate belief and vocation meaningfully.

As you reflect on his life, you might explore his writings like Now That I Believe or listen to archived episodes of Walk with the King. May his example inspire you to walk in faith, serve others, and lead with both conviction and compassion.