After 19 years as UCF’s vice president and general counsel, W. Scott Cole has decided to step down from that position effective Nov. 30.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to be here since 2002 when I joined a still young but growing public metropolitan university, one that still had crushed gravel in its commuter parking lots, but big dreams in the hearts and minds of every student.”
— W. Scott Cole

“I make this decision after nineteen years of service to this great university,” Cole says. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be here since 2002 when I joined a still young but growing public metropolitan university, one that still had crushed gravel in its commuter parking lots, but big dreams in the hearts and minds of every student.

“It was then, and will remain, a rare privilege to have played a role in the realization of those dreams for many, including my own family and a son who is now a proud alumnus.”

Beginning Dec. 1, Cole will remain with UCF as a consultant, focused on transitioning his work portfolio.

“Looking back, it’s been an amazing run. But, 19 years is a long time and this General Counsel is ready to look forward,” Cole says. “With excitement about my future, I wish the board, the president and every member of the UCF community continued success in UCF’s unfolding story.”

Associate Vice President and Senior Deputy General Counsel Youndy Cook will serve as interim vice president and general counsel, and the university soon will begin a national search.

Cook has served in the Office of the General Counsel, first as associate general counsel and then as deputy general counsel, since April 2002. She previously practiced labor and employment litigation at Ford & Harrison, LLP, in Tampa. Cook has worked closely with the board of trustees, university leadership and departments and units across the university on a wide variety of issues, including employment issues, litigation, student affairs, policies and procedures, regulations and contracts.

She received her B.A., summa cum laude, from Vanderbilt University and her J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law. She is active in the National Association of College and University Attorneys and the Florida Bar.