college at the end of this month.

Dr. Cook takes over the reins from retiring president Dr. Archie Hallett at a time when the college is working to bring all its students together at the 23-acre Stonington campus and Bermuda's education system is about to undergo fundamental changes.

"Dr. Hallett has guided the college through a massive construction phase which has seen many of the facilities consolidated at the Stonington Campus,'' chairman of the board, Lt. Col. M.L. Darling said yesterday during the announcement of Dr. Cook's appointment.

"The Board recognises the service given by Dr. Hallett and wishes to pay tribute to his vision and his determination in working to make the college a first class facility of which Bermuda can be proud.

"His successor, Dr. Cook comes to the position superbly qualified to lead the college through its next stage of development.'' Dr. Cook attended Dellwood and Saltus Grammar schools before receiving Bachelor of Commerce and Masters degrees from Dalhousie University.

In 1962, he entered Oxford University on a Canada Council Pre-Doctoral Fellowship and received his Doctorate in History in 1969.

In 1976, Dr. Cook returned to Bermuda to become head of the Department of Academic Studies at Bermuda College. He was appointed, in August 1988, as vice president responsible for academic affairs.

"The Board is very pleased that the standards set by its first president will be continued by a successor whose long experience as a university teacher and college administrator ensures that Bermuda College will continue to grow in service to this community,'' Lt. Col. Darling said.

Dr. Cook, who is celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary off the Island, could not be reached for comment.