William Donald Cooke came to Cornell in 1951 as assistant professor of chemistry and chemical biology. He led the effort to modernize analytical chemistry, introducing instrumental analysis, including electrochemistry and nuclear magnetic resonance. He became a full professor in 1959 and later became associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (1962-1964); dean of the Graduate School (1964-1973); and vice president for research and advanced studies (1969-1983). He was educated at St. Joseph's College, and received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.