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Cook Retires Following 35 Years in Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Gary Cook, senior laboratory coordinator and equipment manager in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The University of Southern Mississippi, is hanging up his lab coat after 35 years.
Cook began his time at Southern Miss in a dual role. “I don’t really remember my title, but I ran the NMR Spectrometer and assisted the organic chemistry coordinator, Dr. Bedenbaugh, at the time.”
He witnessed upgrades and changes to the department’s eqipment over time. “We got a new 60 megahertz NMR and I had responsibility for maintaining it and training people on how to use it.”
Cook says his job has changed many times over the years, allowing him to do many different things, including teaching. “Later, I gained the responsibility of being organic chemistry lab coordinator. At that time we were in Johnson Science Tower. I taught 6 hours of lab classes and substituted for teaching assistants when needed.”
In any department, keeping equipment inventory can be a huge task. Cook gladly took on the responsibility of keeping equipment inventory while also helping design the experiments for classes. “I made sure the experiments worked in the labs so when the students tried them, they were safe to run. Occasionally, we would also make changes and make sure the experiments perfectly complimented the syllabus.”
Cook spent 30 years as organic laboratory coordinator until new job tasks came his way. “Dr. Bateman, our chair at the time, wanted me to take over the senior level chemistry labs and analytical chemistry labs. I was responsible for inorganic chemistry labs and physical chemistry labs,” said Cook. “I didn’t realize it, but I have taught organic chemistry for over 30 years,” he said.
Growing Pains
Cook has seen many changes in the department. “There were about 90 students in the organic chemistry program when I started at USM,” he said. “Now we have somewhere over 190.”
The organic teaching lab has made three moves while Cook has been at Southern Miss. “We experienced growing pains and didn’t have enough room to teach the labs. We were able to get renovations and move the organic labs to two new rebuilt labs in Walker Science Building, where it resides now.”
Cook fondly remembers his students. “I have heard from a few students who have gone on to graduate schools across the country and a number of them have gone on to have successful careers in industry and medicine.”
Dr. Robert Bateman, former chair of the USM department and now professor of biomedical sciences (biochemistry) and Associate Dean of Research in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at William Carey University, said he could count on Cook when it came to keeping departmental equipment running. “Whether it was an electronic or software problem, receiving compressed gas or liquid nitrogen, or simply getting access to equipment, Gary was the one to call,” said Bateman.
“I particularly appreciated his willingness to change his job description and take on coordination, and often direct teaching, of the junior and senior chemistry labs. That enabled the department to redesign and improve our overall undergraduate teaching laboratory program for our majors.”
Dr. Sabine Heinhorst, current chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, says Cook has been a valuable member of their team. “Gary was already a staple in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry when I arrived at Southern Miss in 1987,” said Heinhorst. “From teaching our students to keeping our important equipment in good working order, he has done it all. We are going to miss his contributions and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
What the Future Holds
Cook says he has many plans on the horizon for his retirement. “In the immediate future, I am going to be doing a lot of stuff I never got around to.”
While working his busy schedule at Southern Miss, Cook also cared for his mother during a lengthy illness. “She passed recently. So for the next few months I will be settling her estate and getting things straight.”
Following getting family affairs in order, Cook plans to spend a lot of time at the water. “Fishing. A lot of fishing,” he said. “We have property on the coast and I am planning on building a house down there and eventually moving there.”
Golden Eagle Cheerleader
Cook says has been so busy he has missed out on his beloved Golden Eagle sports. “I probably have not been to a sporting event in three years,” he said. “I have big plans to attend Southern Miss football games, basketball games, and some baseball games.”
Cook also sees growth in his retirement future. “I plan on vegetable gardening a bit. I love fresh vegetables.”
He also plans on traveling. “I plan on going quite a few places. I have friends across the country I have not seen in a while,” he said. “Weekend and week-long trips depending on how long they let me stay.” He says New York is going to be one of his first trips, and Nashville and Pensacola to visit his brothers.
“In other words, I am just going to enjoy myself,” says Cook.
