Biography - Steven Cooke

Steven holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and near the dissertation stage of a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Capella University. Prior to his graduate work, Steven attained 2 Associate Degrees as well as a Bachelor of Science from Thomas Edison State College and Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. A significant amount of the studies to complete the degrees was completed utilizing military education programs, such as EArmyU. Aside from several semesters, all of the degrees were completed through online resources. Steven has attended online classes since 2000 and was one of the first students participating in the online degree format with UNC Greensboro.

Steven was enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged due to back injury (after reenlisting to move to Hawaii!!!). In the military, Steven was an automated logistics specialist in the 14th Engineer Battalion. One of his proudest accomplishments while in the military was setting up a functioning motor pool supply distribution system with (very) limited resources in May 2003 outside of Tikrit, Iraq.

Before and after his service in the Army, Steven has enjoyed working in the Hospitality industry. Starting within customer service, Steven worked entry level with several companies and then moved to Las Vegas. A home was found with RainForest Cafe and Steven quickly moved up the ranks through training and operations. With the birth of his first child, Steven left Vegas and returned to Greensboro as an operations manager with Houlihan's Restaurant Group. After some time with them, Steven enlisted. Upon separation from the military, Steven signed on with a regional company, but eventually left them for another, widely recognized International Corporation, where he is currently and has been for several years. Over his time, Steven has worked every role in the restaurant and focuses on developing others to be successful, whether they remain in the business or use their knowledge and skills elsewhere. From start to finish, Steven has spent over 15 years honing the craft.

Currently, Steven resides in North Carolina with his family. He is married with 3 children; 2 daughters and 1 son. Interests include traveling, gaming (Xbox, wii), and owning/operating an Artist Management company. Steven is always only an email or phone call away for any questions or comments. Steven is also on Twitter, "@ProfSteven", and facebook, www.facebook.com/professorsteven.

(Note - due to actively working in the industry, you may need to leave a message and your call will be returned promptly. Please leave any time constraints as part of the message.)