Staff Spotlight: Stacey Cook

Stacey Cook recently joined the College of Engineering as the Director of Undergraduate Affairs in the College of Engineering Undergraduate Office.

As part of her role, she provides leadership and strategic planning and participates on various committees. Managing and supervising also comprise about 90 percent of Stacey's major job functions and responsibilities. She started her career at UC Berkeley, has held many roles in the community college system and brings 32 years of higher education professional experience to the position.

In this edition of the College of Engineering’s Staff Spotlight, we get to know more about Stacey.

Tell us about your path to UC Davis.

When the pandemic hit and the shelter-at-home order became our priority, my travel plans were cancelled. While working on other projects at home, I realized how much I missed working in academia and scanned the UC Davis HR site for job vacancies. The College of Engineering’s vision and mission resonated with me. I am particularly interested in supporting student success, advocating for advisors and their professional development (I am especially interested in mentoring the next generation of advisors as leaders) and promoting our academic programs.

What is your current position at UC Davis?

I am the Director of Undergraduate Affairs in the College of Engineering Undergraduate Office. I bring over 32 years of higher education professional experience to this position. I started my career at UC Berkeley in the Office of Financial Aid many years ago. Since that time, I was promoted to increasingly responsible positions (manager, director, dean, vice president) when I worked in the community college system.

What are your major job functions and responsibilities?

Leadership and strategic planning, committee participation, management and supervision comprise 90% of my major job functions and responsibilities. I really like my job!

What skill is most important in your job?

Effective and timely communication.

What are you enjoying and looking forward to in this role?

I enjoy collaborating with advisors and directors. Everyone is so talented and skilled; it’s great when they contribute to our projects. For example, currently, advisors are contributing to a list that describes their areas of responsibilities. The advisors are smart, creative, tech-savvy and eager to make things happen. Their energy and collaborative spirit help me look forward to what we will create together in the interest of students.

What is your favorite thing about working at UC Davis/in your department (so far)?

Working with such great people brings me joy!

Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

I am a world traveler who can make friends with people despite language barriers.

If you could do any job in the world what would it be?

In addition to my current job, I would focus my philanthropy on the goal of eradicating poverty throughout the world. Go big or go home, right?

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?

I enjoy talking with family and friends, swimming, hiking, dancing, reading, traveling, puzzling and adventure.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I am honored to work with our advisors who are the next generation of leaders.