Lisa Cook joined the University of Illinois Springfield in September 2025 as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development. In this role, she leads fundraising initiatives for Prairie Stars Athletics and serves as the department’s liaison to the Division of Advancement.
Cook came to UIS from Bradley University, where she held leadership roles in athletic development. As Assistant Athletic Director for Development, she achieved a 25% increase in the Braves Club Annual Fund, raising more than $1 million. She also guided special events designed to generate revenue, strengthen donor relationships, and attract new supporters to the program.
Her impact at Bradley included serving on the steering committee for the 2024 Day of Giving, which raised $538,596 from a record 1,100-plus donors. She managed a portfolio of 200 donors and prospects, facilitated cultivation and stewardship activities, and oversaw the Braves Club annual fund as its director.
Beyond her campus leadership, Cook has been active in the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD), representing the Missouri Valley Conference. In that role, she coordinated collaboration meetings and contributed financial reporting for MVC fundraising metrics.
A Morton, Illinois, native, Cook brings strong ties to central Illinois along with proven success in college athletics fundraising. At UIS, her focus is on cultivating meaningful donor relationships, advancing major gifts, and developing partnerships that strengthen opportunities for student-athletes.
