Steve Rook is a first-generation college student born and raised in southeast Arkansas. Rook earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and doctorate at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. He started his professional career at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma. He returned to his home state to be the Associate Dean of Students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He entered the two-year college environment accepting a position at University of Arkansas Rich Mountain (RMCC) where he served in various roles for sixteen years. In 2016, Rook was honored to become the fourth president of the College of the Ouachitas and now serves as chancellor of Arkansas State University Three Rivers after the College aligned with the ASU System. Rook has worked in higher education at four different institutions for 36 years.
 
Rook is proud to be a member of the Malvern/Hot Spring County community by serving on the Economic Develop Commission, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club and Malvern First Baptist Church.
 
Rook and his wife Connie enjoy traveling, going to the movies, and attending concerts and plays. His mother, Pat Rook, is a native of Malvern and a graduate of Malvern High School. She currently resides in Malvern too. Rook has two sons, Taylor of Conway and Grayson of Malvern.