A Brief Biography of Our Namesake:
Reginald “Doc” Cook was a truly great teacher, one of Middlebury’s finest. He was scholarly and distinguished in his field, stimulating and personally appealing in class,
dynamic and efficient as an executive. The teaching of American literature at Middlebury and the national reputation of the Bread Loaf School of English owe immeasurably to him.
“Doc” was born in Mendon, Massachusetts on November 5, 1903. He graduated from Middlebury College, B.S., in 1924, and earned his M.A. in 1926. His academic and his athletic records won him the coveted appointment as a Rhodes Scholar. He enrolled in Oxford University for three years, and earned the B.A. Oxon, in 1929. He then returned to Middlebury to begin his 40-year service to his alma mater.
He was greatly interested in American literature, which was then regarded as only an unimportant colonial offshoot of English Literature. However, Middlebury College had already created a Department of American Literature in 1923, and “Doc” returned to teach in that department. It succeeded so well that in 1932 he was appointed Professor of American Literature, and soon became Chairman of the department. Middlebury’s offering brought national recognition.
“Doc’s” primary interest was in his students, in giving them a liberal education, and not in specialization. He was delighted when science or economics majors took his course, as a broadening of their horizons. He was dramatic, exciting, even impatient for responses in class. He focused on the individual, asking him or her “What do you think?” He spent hours writing long personal comments and suggestions on the students’ papers.
His love of athletics also linked him to the students. He had been a quarter-miler at Middlebury, and on the mile-relay team at Oxford. He worked out regularly on
the board track here. He was a great lover of the outdoors, and took long walks in the country daily.
The Bread Loaf School of English, begun in the summer of 1920, needed anew director in 1945. “Doc” accepted the post with many misgivings. He did not want to be an administrator. Yet, with great wisdom and skill he built Bread Loaf on high academic standards, for both faculty and students. It was difficult. Wide fluctuations in the national economy and in academia caused difficulties in enrolments and finances. He had to be director, dean of admissions, recorder, budget maker, and greeter. It was a total, year-round task. His wife Juanita, Middlebury Class of 1926, was an unfailing support. His skill enabled Bread Loaf to weather the 1953 recession. His final session of 1964 was a signal success, with an enrolment of2l 1, and with 33 in the M.A. graduating class.
“Doc” and Robert Frost became life-long and close friends. They had many interests in common -- love of letters, love of nature, and sports. They shared the same view of life. Frost answered by giving his hearty, active support to Bread Loaf.
Reginald Cook retired from the College in 1969, but kept happily active. He was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters by Middlebury in 1960, and by St. Michaels College in 1972. He wrote two books on Frost -- The Dimensions of Robert Frost, in 1958, and Robert Frost, a Living Voice, in 1974. He also wrote on Thoreau, Passage to Walden, and on Emerson, Selected Prose and Poetry, and many critical articles in journals such as that of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences. He lived life to the full. He died on August 5, 1984.
Middlebury College and the world of letters are deeply grateful to Reginald “Doc” Cook.
- Stephen A. Freeman, Vice President Emeritus, Professor Emeritus of French
