“One of the things that’s been really helpful to me in my current role is that I’ve seen the college at every stage,” Cooper said. “Literally from the student side to the department side to the college administration side.”
Prior to coming to NSU, Cooper was a workplace mediator. She spent her childhood growing up in different countries, and those experiences piqued her interest in cultural differences and worldviews. She was also intrigued by organizational and workplace conflict resolution, and NSU’s conflict analysis and resolution graduate program was a good fit for honing her skills in the field.
“I do find that I use my conflict resolution training on a daily basis,” Cooper said. “It’s been very valuable in terms of trying to provide a collaborative leadership style and communicate in a way that invites other perspectives.”
Different perspectives are the norm at the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, a unit that encompasses theater, biology, medical humanities, oceanography, the Farquar Honors Program, and so much more. Because of the wide variety of studies, the college is able to collaborate with other university entities on a regular basis.
One of the collaborations that Cooper is proud to highlight is the Open Classroom, a speaker series from the Farquar Honors Program and Alvin Sherman Library. The program delves into hot-topic issues through open discussions with experts from the field. Students and community members engage in meaningful conversations with these experts and explore insightful perspectives.
“Every time I go, I find it very moving and very inspiring,” said Cooper. “Hearing the interaction and the dialogue that takes place is very impactful.”
Having an impact is a part of Cooper’s outlook for Halmos, a vision that is very much aligned with President Harry Moon’s vision for the university as a whole. Part of his goal is to highlight the work and impact of both NSU Health and NSU Ocean. Halmos is an integral part of NSU Ocean, which has identified four main areas of focus—sharks, coral reefs, sea turtles, and the rising seas. In the first three areas, NSU has longstanding programs and entities from shark tagging to the National Coral Reef Institute to the Marine Environmental Education Center and partnership with the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program.
The Rising Seas Institute is a new, interdisciplinary initiative that explores how rising sea levels are impacting communities. Marine science, oceanography, social sciences, economics and even legal dimensions are all part of this effort. The institute, along with programs such as medical humanities, is one way that the college strives to consider the human component of issues that affect both health and the ocean.
“I think our college beautifully brings that together and shows how you can consider multiple dimensions to gain a better, deeper understanding of the issues,” Cooper said.
“And, while we are not a health professions college, many of our undergraduate students are studying to be part of the dual admission program,” she said. “We’re providing the training to prepare them for that move to health careers.”
Donors are an integral part of the success and future of the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences. From establishing a center for applied humanities and a designated space in the library to renovating the chemistry labs, the generous contributions of donors directly impact student experiences, improves their learning opportunities, and helps keep the focus on the human experience.
“I want to thank our donors,” Cooper said. “On an ongoing basis, I see the impact on our students. When we award them scholarships to support them, it changes their lives. When we receive gifts that support research activity, our researchers can expand their work and have a larger impact.
“I genuinely love this college,” Cooper added. “The programs are remarkable. The faculty are talented and dedicated, and the students are inspiring—they are full of good ideas, energy, and motivation. They make it all worthwhile.”