Sheila Cook

Sheila Cook is a native of Louisville, Kentucky and an esteemed Christian leader, community volunteer, philanthropist, teacher, mother and wife.

She attended Georgetown Baptist College earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She later pursued a Master’s of Education degree while also teaching a class of learning disabled students for one year subsequently inspiring an 18 year career in the field. Shelia was also recognized as an Alumni-By- Choice from Baylor University.

Giving back to the community, Sheila has shared her time and talent in many vital ways to include: Dallas Baptist (DBU) Women’s Auxiliary Board, Executive Committee Chair; DBU Hospitality Committee; Inaugural President of Brother Bill’s Helping Hand Women’s Council; Board member – Asha Partners (formerly Gospel for Muslims) and Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Dean’s Board of Advocates.

Honored for her dedication and having a servants heart, Sheila has been recognized with many special awards and honors including: DBU Ruth Award – 1994; DBU Honorary Alumna Award – 1996 and DBU Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree – 2008.

Her valuable church involvement over the years has made such a positive difference to so many families and individuals. As a member of Park Cities Baptist Church since 1988, Sheila has served in many capacities such as: Preschool Committee; Vacation Bible School teacher; Mission Friends teacher; Preschool choir pianist; Library volunteer; Ladies Bible Study – small group leader and Esther Sunday School Class – Director and Missions co-leader.

Reflecting back over her life journey, Sheila attended Walnut Street Baptist Church, in Louisville, Kentucky where she met Southern Seminary student, Gary Cook, who she married three years later on December 28, 1974.  Upon Gary’s graduation from Southern Seminary, the Cook’s moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he began working on a Doctor of Ministry degree at Southwestern Seminary while concurrently working on a Master’s of Gerontology degree at North Texas State University (now University of North Texas). The Cook’s then moved to McGregor, Texas, where Gary served as pastor of First Baptist Church and Sheila worked as a schoolteacher and pastor’s wife.  Gary later accepted the position of Gerontology Lecturer at Baylor University. In 1988, he accepted the call to become President of Dallas Baptist University, where the Cook’s remained for 34 years.  As DBU’s First Lady, Sheila has had the privilege of hosting numerous wedding and baby showers, brunches, teas, luncheons, dinners, and receptions., as well as attending many on and off campus DBU events. Gary retired as President of DBU in 2016, and now serves as Chancellor. 

Sheila and Gary have two sons, David Daniel and Mark Andrew. David is married to Nicole and they have three children:  Molly, Caleb, and Gracie.  Mark is married to Shannon. Sheila also has one sibling, a brother, Elwyn Raymer, who lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Linda.