Early Life and Education of Tim Cook: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Tim Cook. From birth to education, explore key events.

Tim Cook is the current CEO of Apple, a position he assumed on August 24, 2011, after Steve Jobs' resignation. He joined Apple in March 1998, initially serving as Senior Vice President for Worldwide Operations, then as Vice President for Worldwide Sales and Operations. Before becoming CEO, he served as the company's Chief Operating Officer under Steve Jobs. Cook's leadership has continued Apple's trajectory as a leading technology innovator and one of the world's most valuable companies.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 1, 1960: Tim Cook's Birth

On November 1, 1960, Timothy Donald Cook was born in Mobile, Alabama.

1978: Cook Graduates from High School

In 1978, Tim Cook graduated salutatorian from Robertsdale High School in Alabama.

1982: Cook Receives Bachelor of Science from Auburn University

In 1982, Tim Cook received a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in industrial engineering from Auburn University.

1988: Cook Earns MBA and Becomes a Fuqua Scholar

In 1988, Tim Cook earned his MBA from Duke University, becoming a Fuqua Scholar.

1988: Cook Receives MBA from Duke University

In 1988, Tim Cook received a Master of Business Administration from Duke University.

1996: Cook Misdiagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis

In 1996, Tim Cook was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an incident he said made him "see the world in a different way".

2008: Cook Donates to Obama's Campaign

During the 2008 election cycle, Tim Cook donated to Barack Obama's first White House election campaign.

2009: Offered Liver to Steve Jobs

In 2009, Tim Cook offered a portion of his liver to Steve Jobs due to their shared rare blood type. However, Jobs refused the offer emphatically.

2010: Commencement Speech at Auburn

During his 2010 commencement speech at Auburn, Tim Cook highlighted the importance of intuition in decision-making, while also emphasizing the need for preparation and hard work.

2011: Reports that Cook was Gay

In early 2011, it was reported that Tim Cook was gay, although at the time he tried to keep his personal life private while still publicly supporting LGBT rights.

June 2014: Attended San Francisco's Gay Pride Parade

In June 2014, Tim Cook participated in San Francisco's gay pride parade with Apple staff.

October 2014: Cook Publicly Comes Out as Gay

In October 2014, Tim Cook became the first chief executive of a Fortune 500 company to publicly come out as gay and the Alabama Academy of Honor inducted Cook.

October 2014: Cook Seeks Privacy

In October 2014, Tim Cook explained that he has sought to achieve a "basic level of privacy".

March 2015: Cook Announces Plans to Donate Fortune to Charity

In March 2015, Tim Cook announced his plans to donate his fortune to charity.

September 2015: Clarified Privacy Views on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

In September 2015, Tim Cook appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to explain that he felt he had valued his privacy too much and wanted to use his position to help others by sharing his truth.

2015: Cook Donates to Democratic Senators

In 2015, Tim Cook donated to Democratic senators Chuck Schumer and Patrick Leahy.

2015: Named to Duke University Board of Trustees

In 2015, Tim Cook was appointed to Duke University's board of trustees for a six-year term.

March 2016: Cook Discloses Donation to Zoe Lofgren

In early March 2016, Tim Cook disclosed that he donated to the election campaign of Democratic representative Zoe Lofgren of California.

2016: Cook Raises Funds for Hillary Clinton

In the 2016 election, Tim Cook raised funds for the presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton.

September 2017: Cook Defends DACA

In September 2017, at Bloomberg's Global Business Forum, Tim Cook defended the DACA immigration program and expressed his dissatisfaction with the direction of Donald Trump's administration.

2018: Delivered Duke University's Commencement Address

In 2018, Tim Cook delivered the commencement address at Duke University.

March 2019: Trump Calls Cook "Tim Apple"

In March 2019, during a meeting with President Donald Trump, Trump referred to Tim Cook as "Tim Apple," which Cook then used as his Twitter display name.

October 2019: Talked About Coming Out Decision

In October 2019, Tim Cook discussed his decision to come out as gay, acknowledging the LGBTQ activists who paved the way for him and expressing his hope that his openness could inspire LGBTQ youth facing difficulties.