Wrenn Cook has been named a 2010 recipient of the Winthrop University Medal of Honor in the Arts. The award acknowledges and recognizes the unique roles of individuals and groups who have made a significant contribution to the arts, as well as those who have positively impacted the quality of the cultural life in communities across the Carolinas.
 
First established in 2001, the Winthrop University Medal of Honor in the Arts is not limited to a single arts discipline or area of artistic endeavor. This award honors those who have encouraged the arts and offered inspiration to others either through their distinguished achievements, artistic excellence, support or patronage. The other 2010 recipients are Carl Blair, Joyce Hall, and Morenga Hunt.

Wrenn Cook is head of the dance program at Columbia College and Director of the South Carolina Center for Dance Education.  Her teaching experience spans more than thirty years:  she has taught dance in private studios and higher education settings since 1976, including 12 years in PreK-12 public schools.  Cook is a recipient of the South Carolina Dance Association’s Dance Educator of the Year (1996), President’s Service (2001), Advocacy (2003), and Honor (2007) awards.  She has been active in the development of dance standards, curriculum, and assessment at the state level since 1989 and has presented at numerous state and national dance and education conferences.  She serves on the boards of directors of several arts organizations in South Carolina.  Her national service includes serving as a member of the National Dance Education Organization’s Awards Committee for the past three years and as national coordinator for the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.  Prior to focusing her full energies in the field of dance education, she worked extensively as a professional dancer and choreographer with companies in South Carolina, Philadelphia, and New York City.  Cook holds a BA degree in Political Science from the University of South Carolina and a M.Ed. in Divergent Learning from Columbia College.