Emily Cook graduated from University of Georgia in 2008 with a Master’s in Social Work. In 2007, she participated in a symposium with the School of Social Work in Accra, Ghana and worked closely with human service agencies throughout the country. This inspired her interest in community development locally and abroad. Immediately following graduate studies, she practiced as a licensed social worker for several years before transitioning into professional higher education. She enrolled in the INCM PhD Program in Fall 2018 at Kennesaw State University because she would like to intersect her current and past experiences to integrate a holistic approach in promoting development and peacebuilding in community settings.

Emily has worked in public higher education for 9 years. Currently, she directs an international program centered on integrative pedagogy for learning and serves as the University Student Ombudsperson. She has taught multiple courses in social work, leadership, and student success skills. Prior to higher education, she worked in several non-profit and private sectors, both in rural and urban areas. She has experience providing therapeutic services for at-risk youth, addiction counseling, domestic violence, generational poverty in the Appalachian region, and HIV/AIDS education and prevention. Emily is also a 200-hour certified yoga instructor registered with Yoga Alliance.