Appalachian State University Police Officer Cashae Cook has been named Woman of the Year by the North Carolina Law Enforcement Women’s Association (NCLEWA). The award, announced at the NCLEWA’s annual conference in Raleigh, is the highest honor for women in law enforcement in the state. Cook is the first officer from a University of North Carolina System institution to receive this distinction.
NCLEWA President Marquie Morrison-Brown said, “This prestigious honor recognizes Officer Cook’s unwavering commitment to public safety, her exemplary leadership and her tireless advocacy for women in law enforcement. Throughout her tenure at Appalachian State University, Officer Cook has consistently demonstrated integrity, compassion and courage — qualities that define the very best of our law enforcement community.”
Johnny Brown, director of public safety and chief of police at App State, stated, “We’re incredibly proud of Officer Cook being named Woman of the Year. It’s officers like her — who are committed to public service, educating others and always volunteering to help — who make our department continue to stand out in the community and throughout the state.”
Cook expressed her gratitude for the opportunities available through her work and encouraged others to support women in law enforcement. “I want to encourage other women — administrators, chiefs and sheriffs — to get involved in supporting women in law enforcement, and to help make sure that their officers and deputies have access to educational and professional development opportunities through associations such as NCLEWA,” Cook said.
Originally from Lexington, Cook has served as an officer at App State since 2019. She regularly interacts with students, employees, and visitors on the Boone campus. Cook holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a graduate certificate in nonprofit administration from App State and plans to complete her Master of Public Administration in December.
She added, “Women in law enforcement have a rich history of service, demonstrating courage, resilience and a commitment to justice while breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. North Carolina is proud to celebrate and support the women who protect and serve in police departments, sheriff’s offices and other law enforcement agencies across the state.”
The App State Police Department is the university’s official policing agency and works with the campus community to prevent crime and improve quality of life. The department emphasizes proactive community engagement and customer service. More information about the department can be found at https://police.appstate.edu.
Appalachian State University is part of the University of North Carolina System, enrolling over 21,000 students and offering more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Further details about the university are available at https://www.appstate.edu.
