Sara Cook, Viterbo University’s vice president for academics, has spent most of her life as a resident of rural Cashton (about 35 miles from La Crosse), earning her undergraduate degree at UW-La Crosse with majors in math and computer science (and completing her MBA and PhD as a parent and working adult). She has been part of the Viterbo community for over 20 years as a faculty member and administrator; her first day of teaching at Viterbo was on her first child’s first birthday in August 2001.

In her first several years at Viterbo, Cook developed and taught nearly every course in the computer information systems program to traditional undergraduate students. She also taught many, many classes to bachelor completion students in the evenings and immediately enjoyed connecting with adult learners.

When she completed her doctorate in organizations and management (with a focus on information technology, organizational strategy, and employee burnout), she transitioned into teaching in the MBA program (primarily focusing on CIS, leadership, organizational behavior, and research) and then into various administrative roles in business and across the institution, eventually serving as dean of the College of Education, Engineering, Letters, and Sciences.

During her time at Viterbo, Cook has maintained an active consulting practice in organizational leadership and strategic planning. She has served on her local school board for over a decade, and currently serves on a number of other boards in the region.

Cook resides in rural Cashton, adjacent to the dairy farm where she grew up, with her husband and children (the two girls, ages 11 and 16, still live at home; the two boys, ages 18 and 21, are in college). Her favorite hobbies include playing music and discussing books with the kids and being outside engaged in good conversation.

How many years have you worked at Viterbo and how did you come to be here? 

I started as a faculty member in the Dahl School of Business in 2001. The year prior, I taught as an adjunct faculty member at Western Technical College, and prior to that worked as a software systems analyst consultant in Madison. Though I had enjoyed my career as a consultant, after my son was born, I decided that if I were going to be spending time away from him, it needed to be for something as meaningful and invigorating as teaching. I am lucky that Viterbo posted an opening for a computer information systems faculty member at just the right time for me.

As a faculty member I was best known for teaching …

In my first several years at Viterbo, I taught almost every course in the computer information systems major as well as many in the evening bachelor completion programs. When I completed my doctorate degree in 2005, I began teaching in the Master of Business Administration program and am probably best known for teaching in that program — in particular, in the leadership and applied research courses. I taught every MBA student that went through the program for over a decade.

What did you love most about teaching at Viterbo?

I did and still do love connecting with students to create openings for us to learn together, collectively. I believe that at Viterbo we are especially good at welcoming people and connecting with them as individuals with full, busy lives. I also love being part of or witness to anyone (including myself) learning to think about systems or issues differently, growing our understanding and ability to solve problems together. I view working at a university with so many talented experts in various fields a privilege.

What inspires you?

I find myself inspired by many things — books that challenge me, community organizers, my children, my colleagues, my friends, or someone just working really hard to do something good. These days, I would need to include documentaries, podcasts, and marching bands on the list. I love learning and listening and discussing and joking and laughing, and so many things inspire those in me. Maybe it’s an impromptu conversation with a colleague, or it might be taking the dog and one of the kids on a walk on a backroad and looking with wonder at how beautiful our region (and our planet) is.

What others say about you?

Maybe that I have a definite “mom” vibe? I’ve also heard myself described as efficient, kind, and intuitive.