William "Bill" Cook takes the role of Director of Public Safety
Manhattan College is pleased to announce Bill Cook as its new Director of Public Safety - a title he previously held at Fordham University. Cook is a former New York City police lieutenant and served on the force for 25 years.
“After retiring from the NYPD, I wanted to use my law enforcement skills to continue to help support the New York Community,” Cook said. “I am familiar with the requirements of a college campus after working at Fordham and look forward to a more intimate environment where I can really get to know the people I will serve.”
As Director of Public Safety, Cook will be responsible for ensuring the safety of every campus community member and safeguarding Manhattan College's physical assets. He will also manage the Public Safety Staff and support the department’s work with the Residence Life Staff, helping to provide students with a safe and secure environment while also holding them accountable for adhering to the standards of the campus code of conduct.
“I am pleased to welcome Bill Cook to Manhattan,” said Kristell Lowe, Vice President for Student Life. “His impressive background in law enforcement and safety aligns well with our top priority, which is safety and security for everyone on campus. Cook is well trained and deeply committed to this task and his leadership with crisis preparation and response will help every Jasper enjoy a more successful campus experience.”
Cook’s extensive law enforcement career includes Title IX related investigations, anti-terrorism, and intelligence. He’s also community focused and has been dedicated to relationship-building at every point in his impressive career.
The New York native was born in Yonkers but has called Manhattan home for several decades. Cook holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from St. Bonaventure University and received Title IX certification from Tulane University. He is a married father of three and cannot wait to cheer for the Jaspers sports teams.
Founded in 1853, Manhattan College is an independent Catholic Lasallian institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the College is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. Manhattan College offers programs that integrate a broad liberal arts education coupled with a concentration in specific disciplines in the arts and sciences with professional preparation in business and engineering, ensuring graduates will excel in their chosen fields. The College consists of the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. For further information, please visit www.manhattan.edu/