
Cook was selected for the award because of his dedication to improving rangeland management. "Rob is a tremendous asset to the Institute,” said Hugh Aljoe, Noble Research Institute director of producer relations. “He is a knowledgeable advocate for rangeland management issues, and he is effective in communicating those issues to producers and others in the agriculture industry.”
Cook joined the Noble Research Institute in 2015 after working as a Natural Resources Conservation Service rangeland specialist for 11 years. He is a member of the Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas sections of SRM. Cook serves on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Section. He is active in the National Grazing Lands Coalition and is a member of the American Forage and Grassland Council and The Wildlife Society.
The award is presented to an individual member who has demonstrated extraordinary potential and promise as a range management professional. "It is an honor to be selected by my peers," Cook said, “This award is about more than just my accomplishments; it’s about the mentors and people who have advised, guided and motivated my passion for rangelands.”

Cook received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science, plant-animal interaction, from Angelo State University in 2002 and 2004, respectively.

