Bishop Edward T. Cook and Mark R. Ramser were recently honored with honorary degrees at Mount Vernon Nazarene University's 65th Commencement ceremonies on May 3. Bishop Cook received a Doctor of Divinity degree, while Ramser was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Bishop Cook serves as the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Ohio North First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. He is recognized for his lifelong service and leadership within the denomination at various levels. His dedication has earned him several awards, including the NAACP President’s Award in 1998 and the NAACP Humanitarian Award in 2005.
MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman praised Bishop Cook's leadership, stating, "Bishop Cook’s leadership journey began with a profound commitment to listening, traveling across cities and small towns to engage individuals of all ages, gathering insights on their needs." Dr. Castleman highlighted Cook's impact on communities across Ohio through training and development initiatives.
Mark R. Ramser, President of the Ohio Cumberland Gas Co., was recognized for his community service efforts. Born and raised in Knox County, Ramser has been involved with numerous community organizations, including serving on the MVNU Foundation Board. His contributions have earned him several awards such as the American Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year and the Knox County Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Castleman spoke highly of Ramser's contributions: "An active member of the Mount Vernon Community, Mark has made significant contributions to Mount Vernon Nazarene University and the broader community." He emphasized Ramser's commitment to fostering spiritual growth and support within the community.
Both honorees were presented their degrees by MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman during the ceremony.
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