Thomas Cook
404-680-2939 | 12thomascook21@gmail.com

EDUCATION
Wetern Carolina University
Master of Education, Higher Education Student Affairs ​Cullowhee, NC
​ May 2020

Young Harris College Young Harris, GA

Bachelor of Science, Outdoor Leadership August 2017

WORK EXPERIENCE
Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC
Graduate Coordinator for Outdoor Programs August 2019- May 2020
● Work along with the team of Campus Recreation and Wellness to deliver the mission of Campus Recreation and
Wellness
● Oversee the adventure shop, supervising and supporting student workers
● Planning of large scale events such as (Outdoor Gear Sale, Tuck River Clean Up, Rock and Rumble)
● Facilitating the Outdoor Guide Development Program, recruiting and training students to be trip leaders for Base
Camp Cullowhee
● Lead Outdoor Adventure for Western students in a variety of adventure sports
● Development of special projects such as good Carbon Footprint tracking of Adventure Programs
● Manage, inventory, and repair all gear owned by Base Camp Cullowhee
● Organize and prepare for weekly program outings, to support student leaders on their trips
Voyageur Outward Bound School Ely, Mn
Field Instructor May 2019-
● Plan expeditions and curriculum designed for student growth and self-discovery
● Manage emotional and physical safety while on course and at base with students
● Facilitate conflict resolution with students as part of their learning on course
● Teach outdoor skills such as paddling, back country living skills, navigation, climbing, and expedition behavior
● Collaborate with students and their families acting as a mediator to help facilitate conversation that bring lasting
change in their relationships
● Support instructors and students in the Intercept program during their final week at VOBS where they are working
to transition home and to reunite with their families
● Assist with gear issue/de-issue, resuppies or gear switching
● Driving for student transport including to/from airport, to/from trailheads/putins, and to/from technical
sites in 15 passenger vans and equipment trailers
● Participating as needed to support the basescamp’s on-call field response system, supporting
evacuation teams
Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC
Graduate Intern for Base Camp Cullowhee January-May 2019
● Planned the 36th annual Tuck River Clean Up, partnering with sponsors and volunteers in the Western Carolina
community
● Lead outdoor adventure for Western students in a variety of adventure sports
● Facilitated the 12th annual bouldering competition on campus, hosting students from 11 different Universities in
the southeast
● Supervised the student hiring committee as they reviewed application and interviewed their peers

Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC

Graduate Assistant for Miracle at WCU August 2018-May 2018
● Supervised a team of undergraduate students who planned and executed a large fundraising event.
● Coordinated between the student leadership team and the staff advisors to support the needs of the committees
● Facilitated meetings of the advisor and student committees, and held one-on-one meetings with students
● Communicated with Greenville Health Systems to collaborate on programs and support the mission of Children's
Miracle Network
● Collaborated with cross campus partnerships to facilitate awareness and fundraising programs for the campus
community
● Managed finances and kept records of program spending, with distributions of funds for various programs
● Fundraised for Children's Miracle Network, raised $49,600
Young Harris College Young Harris, GA
Outdoor Events Coordinator August 2017- May 2018
● Facilitated and lead outdoor recreation programs and events for YHC students, faculty, and staff
● Developed policy and procedure for YHC’s Outdoor Adventure Program’s equipment rental
● Maintenance of Outdoor Adventure Program’s equipment
● Conduct educational clinics around backcountry living skills, with a focus on Leave No Trace
● Coordinated with other outdoor clubs and programs (Fly Fishing Club, Rock Climbing Club, Trails Club, and
Outdoor Leadership Department) on campus to facilitate programs for the campus
● Collaborated with university programs such as residence life, athletics, and academics
● Developed marketing for all programs, developed and maintained website, social media, etc

Adjunct Instructor – Outdoor Leadership

● Teach PALS 1510 Backpacking

University of Massachusetts Lowell Lowell, MA

Summer Kayak Center and Outdoor Adventure Internship/Practicum ​Summer 2017
● Managed daily Kayak Center programming and operations
● Coordinated Outdoor Adventure Program logistics and trip leadership
● Assisted with program planning, marketing, implementation, administration, and evaluation
● Instructed and managed groups of peer, adults, teens, and children

Young Harris College Young Harris, GA

Teaching & Trip Leader Assistant – Outdoor Leadership August 2016 – December 2016
● Developed lessons plans, risk management plans, and trip packets for a variety of land-based experiences
● Facilitated and lead experiences in land pursuits, interpretive programs, and environmental issues
● Oversaw permitting processes and LNT outdoor ethics for a variety of land-based experiences

Conferences

Adventure Education Conference 2016,2017

Association of Outdoor Education and Recreation 2017
ACPA College Student Educators International 2018

CERTIFICATIONS
● ACA Level 1 Kayak Instructor (4 year cert.) May 2017
● Wilderness First Responder (2 year cert.) ​September 2017
● CPR (2 year cert.) ​September 2017
● LNT Trainer ​September 2017

HONORS AND AWARDS

● Outstanding Senior - YHC Outdoor Leadership Department ​2016

CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT

● CAB-Campus Activities Board 2014, 2015, 2016

● Sustainability Committee – Earth Week Coordinator 2016-Present
● Campus Recreation Center - Hiring Committee April 2019