Piper Cook

Major: Mathematics
Hometown: Pineville, WV
Graduating in the spring of 2028

What special projects and experiences have you had as an undergraduate student?

I have been involved in the Honors College, the Student Government Association, where I currently serve as the secretary of alumni engagement, and more.

One special project that I have been involved in is Dancing with the Herd. Alongside Matt James, former vice president of alumni relations, and Connor Waller, student body president, I worked on bringing the idea to life by securing couples to dance, collaborating with student choreographers and dancers, finding the perfect team to make the event special, and ensuring funds were being raised for various student-based funds.

The opportunity to play a special role in this event, as an organizer and co-host, is one I will always remember. The goal of the event was to find a new way to get students, community members, alumni and Marshall employees involved, and we did just that. From students choreographing the routines and assisting with the livestream to Marshall employees bringing the energy at the event to every individual who donated, the experience exceeded all expectations and left all involved mesmerized. This special project will always be one of my favorite Marshall moments that I will never forget, and I am excited to continue working on this project and growing the initiative.

What’s your future career path, and why did you choose Marshall?

I am still deciding on the career path that I would like to follow. Choosing Marshall was easy for me. The people and the atmosphere made it feel like home the moment I stepped on campus. It was clear to me that I would be supported at Marshall and given the opportunity to be involved at any capacity I wished.

Why are you glad you chose Marshall?

I am glad I chose Marshall for so many reasons. Marshall has become my home and allowed me to find myself, create new friendships, make memories, and have once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Throughout my time here, I have discovered who I want to be as a person, the future I want for myself, how to fail and get back up, and that it is OK to not have everything figured out.

Marshall has allowed me to find friends who truly understand me and support me in my endeavors. I will forever be grateful for these friendships that, without Marshall, might not have formed. From sitting in a classroom and learning new things to sitting on my favorite bench outside of Old Main and talking to President Smith, I have created memories that I will never lose.

Through the support of the Society of Yeager Scholars, I have been able to fly for the first time, travel to new places, and take challenging classes that have allowed me to dive deeper into my intellectual abilities. Through the Student Government Association, I have been able to make connections on campus, help make campus a better place, build friendships, and get involved in various ways. All of these things illustrate why I am glad I chose Marshall. Marshall is my home, and I will forever be able to call it that.

What has helped you get here?

The Society of Yeager Scholars helped solidify my decision to call Marshall home. I knew I wanted to come to Marshall, but I was uncertain if it would be the best decision financially. The Yeager Scholarship offers a full ride plus other benefits beyond finances, so once the offer came through, it was an easy decision to say yes to Marshall. Without the support of the Society of Yeager Scholars, I know I would not be here today, so I am forever thankful for the opportunities, support and guidance they provide me.

What are your favorite experiences as a Marshall student so far?

In addition to Dancing with the Herd, one of my favorite experiences as a Marshall student was being a WOW Ambassador during the 2025 Week of Welcome. During this time, I helped welcome new students to Marshall, gave tours around campus, discussed how to get involved, and danced and cheered at Convocation. This week allowed me to be a helping hand around campus in whatever way was needed. It can be difficult to adjust to college life, so I was happy to have the opportunity to ease nerves, create a fun atmosphere, and talk to students about why I love Marshall all while making memories with my friends.

Tell us what you’re passionate about — why do you love it, why is it important, and what should people know about it that they might not realize?

I am passionate about helping others and being involved. For as long as I can remember, I have loved getting involved in as many things as I can, which has allowed me to build relationships, make memories, and grow as a person. As well, I love helping others in whatever way I can. It is important to me that I help those around me and give back to the university and people who have offered me so much. These passions fuel my everyday decisions and make me who I am. Becoming involved and helping others has taught me that service and connection can fuel personal growth and happiness.