Peter Cook

Peter Cook is a Senior Lecturer in the Linguistic Program at Princeton University, appointed as part of their ASL program expansion. Previously, he served as Associate Professor and Chair of the ASL Department at Columbia College Chicago from 2006 to 2024, earning awards for teaching excellence. A prominent Deaf artist, Cook holds an MA in Storytelling (East Tennessee State University, 2011) and BFA in Graphic Design (Rochester Institute of Technology, 1986).

His work focuses on ASL literature and performance, blending storytelling, pantomime, and movement. Cook has performed globally, including at the National Storytelling Festival, Kennedy Center, and international events in Austria, Brazil, Israel, and Japan. He was honored at the White House National Book Festival (2003) and featured in PBS documentaries. His teaching and performances emphasize cross-cultural communication between Deaf and Hearing communities.

Award highlights include the 1997 Excellence in Teaching Award and recognition as 'one of the most celebrated bards in sign language literature' by Princeton. He continues to advocate for Deaf cultural representation through collaborations with Flying Words Project and international Deaf artists.