Ottawa University

Ottawa University Names Interim President

Dr. Fred Zook replaces Dr. Fred Snow 

OTTAWA, Kansas - The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Dr. Fredric Zook will serve as interim president of Ottawa University effective August 1, 2007. 

"Dr. Zook's career has consistently reflected his commitment to students, faculty, staff and the Board," stated Patti Wolf, chair of the Board of Trustees. "He is truly gifted with the ability to create an atmosphere of collegiality, friendship and spirit in support of the University's mission. He values people as he values this institution."

Dr. Zook began his career at Ottawa University in 1967 at The College in Ottawa, Kansas, as the dean of students and later became a tenured faculty member. While living in Ottawa, he was a member of the City Council for over seven years, including two terms as mayor. 

From 1981 to 2001, Dr. Zook held the position of provost at OU's Arizona campuses. His tenure as provost was one of the most successful in the history of the University. Dr. Zook brought visibility to OU through his marketing expertise and community involvement. He developed and mentored a strong faculty and launched the University's first graduate program, the Master of Arts in Human Resources. Dr. Zook was responsible for qualifying Ottawa University as a "comprehensive university" with the Higher Learning Commission with the addition of the Master of Arts in Education and the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. He built and directed the International Program from its earliest formulation through its most successful outreach. The partnership he established with Rio Salado College provided the University's first fully online degree program. Dr. Zook's vision produced exceptional enrollment success in the University's degree programs and Professional Education Program. In 2002, the University bestowed upon him the title of Professor Emeritus. After leaving Ottawa University, Dr. Zook became the interim president of Salem International University. 

"I can still remember arriving on campus as the new dean of students forty years ago this August," stated Zook. Ottawa University has been a part of my heart and soul ever since. Although leadership has changed over the years, Ottawa's mission of building strong character and Christian values has not. I feel it is a privilege to once again be a part of the Ottawa team and will cherish my time as your president."

"I am pleased Fred is coming home to Ottawa University," stated Wolf. "The Board has great appreciation and confidence that the University is in good hands. Under his leadership, we will continue to serve our students by providing the highest quality education in a Christ-centered community of grace."     

Dr. Zook and his wife, Connie, will reside at the Granger House in Ottawa, Kansas, when on campus. They plan to maintain their home in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dr. Zook will serve as interim president to replace former OU President Dr. Fred Snow, who resigned his position effective July 16, 2007.

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Founded in 1865, Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. Ottawa University's educational mission brings together a residential campus in Ottawa, Kansas, and adult campuses in Kansas City, Missouri; Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe, Arizona; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jeffersonville, Indiana; as well as multiple international instructional sites.  For more information, visit http://www.ottawa.edu/.