Kelly Cook

Kelly Cook’s Texas roots run deep - her family has ranched in Brazos and Grimes Counties for over a century on more than 800 acres known as the Olden Ranches. With a legacy stretching back to her great-great-grandfather, who once sold land on Walton Drive for twenty-five cents an acre, Kelly carries forward a tradition of stewardship and storytelling. Today, the ranch remains a family-run operation, home to more than seventy-five cattle and a vibrant cow/calf program. She’s always happy to share insights into ranch life or local history with anyone who asks.

When she’s not working cattle or riding trails on one of her quarter horses, Kelly is spending time with her grandchildren - Dawson, Ryker, Gracelynn, and Tate - who she affectionately calls her “miniature bosses.” Whether it’s feeding animals or exploring the land, she treasures every moment with them, especially with their miniature horse in tow.

Professionally, Kelly has been a dedicated member of the Texas A&M University community since 1999, beginning at the A.P. Beutel Health Center before joining the Department of History in 2001. After a brief hiatus, she returned in 2012 and has since advanced to the role of Executive Assistant. Her journey through the department has mirrored its growth, and she’s proud to support its expanding faculty and programs. In addition to her administrative role, Kelly serves as a Hullabaloo U instructor, guiding first-year students through their transition to college life.

Kelly is currently completing her MBA at Texas A&M, with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Supply Chain and Operations - an academic pursuit that complements both her professional and ranching endeavors.

If given the chance to say “Howdy” to any historical figure, Kelly would choose her great-grandmother, Dymple Carll Creagor. A rancher and mother who managed a large property and raised three children on her own in the mid-1900s, Mama Creagor remains a source of inspiration. Kelly would love to ask her how she balanced animals, children, and the challenges of the time - with such grace and grit.