Stephen Cook

Dr. Stephen Cook serves as Dean of the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts and Professor in the Department of Psychology and Counseling at Hardin-Simmons University. He earned his B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University (1986), M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia (1989), and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the same university (1992). His research focuses on religious/spiritual health associations, stress coping mechanisms, and gender psychology. He has held leadership roles in the Society of Counseling Psychology (APA Division 17), Society for Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (APA Division 36), and Texas Psychological Association.

Dr. Cook’s academic contributions include pioneering work on the Femininity Ideology Scale and exploration of religiousness in mental health contexts. He has authored influential articles on minority stress, posttraumatic growth, and gender norms. His community engagement includes over 20 years as a licensed psychologist and service in professional organizations like the Association of Psychology Training Clinics. Personal highlights include his Abilene roots, family life, and unique experiences such as performing with the Houston Ballet.