The University of Houston’s Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing celebrated its 2026 commencement with a distinguished guest whose family ties to the University of Houston resonate deeply across campus: Texas State Senator and registered nurse Molly Cook, RN, MSN, MPH.
A sixth-generation Texan raised in the Houston area, Cook has built a career at the intersection of healthcare and public service. From her early days as grass roots organizer to an emergency room nurse and now to her current role in the Texas Senate, she has consistently advocated for safer, healthier communities. Her presence as commencement speaker reflects not only her professional accomplishments, but also a longstanding connection between the Cook family and the University of Houston.
That connection was cemented through the generosity of Cook’s parents, Judy and Mark Cook. Their transformative gift in 2017 supported the development of the Judy Cook Building, a hub for innovation and community partnership on campus. Completed in 2025, the building stands as a lasting symbol of the family’s commitment to education and public impact, further strengthening ties between the university and the broader Houston community.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to celebrate this moment with y’all,” Cook told graduates during her address. She praised the college’s remarkable trajectory, noting that in just under a decade, enrollment has nearly quadrupled and 1,720 practice-ready nurses have entered the workforce—helping meet critical regional and statewide healthcare needs. The college’s rapid rise was further underscored by its 2024 ranking as No. 1 in the nation for first-time NCLEX pass rates.
University leaders emphasized that Cook’s dual identity as a nurse and policymaker embodies the very mission of the Gessner College of Nursing: to prepare leaders who will shape the future of healthcare at every level.
In her remarks, Cook urged graduates to embrace both the technical and human dimensions of their profession. “Nursing is about trust and advocacy It’s steady hands and sharp minds, but it’s also open hearts,” she said, highlighting the leadership inherent in compassionate care.
The ceremony marked not only a milestone for graduates, but also a celebration of the college’s extraordinary growth over the past ten years. As the Gessner College continues to expand its reach and impact, the selection of Senator Molly Cook as commencement speaker underscores a powerful message: that nursing leadership extends far beyond the bedside—and that Cougar nurses, supported by generations of community investment, are poised to lead the future of healthcare. Learn more at www.uh.edu/nursing.