Joe Cooper

Joe Cooper has been the Dean of Students at Northland College since July 2021. Joe previously served as the Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Michigan Technological University from December 2020 to July 2021. In this role, they led and inspired the Division of Student Affairs, which consists of 10 departments and approximately 65 full-time staff. Joe provided university-wide leadership and vision for initiatives that enhance the student experience and support retention and graduation rates. Joe also provided oversight for the administration and leadership of housing and residence education; career services; student leadership, organizations, and fraternity/sorority life; counseling and wellness services; international programs; student information systems; and other student success initiatives through the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success, including disability services, academic coaching, and student success courses.

Joe has a commitment to improving the campus climate through intentional plans and action. Joe partners with the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion staff to create and implement diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and foster engagement among students and student organizations. Joe also serves as an advocate for all students, assesses student needs and interests, voices student concerns, and assists in facilitating change and solutions as necessary.

Joe advises Undergraduate Student Government and organizes biweekly Student Commission meetings/discussions. Joe also fosters a culture of assessment and continuous improvement in order to maximize program effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction. Joe demonstrates fiscal responsibility through the administration and oversight of division budgets totally approximately $3.5 million.

Joe Cooper has a Doctor of Education from Edgewood College, a Master's Degree from South Dakota State University, and a Bachelor's Degree from Northern Michigan University. Joe also has certification from LinkedIn in Communicating Across Cultures, Communicating about Culturally Sensitive Issues, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging for All, Confronting Bias: Thriving Across Our Differences, Skills for Inclusive Conversations, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Unconscious Bias. Joe also has certification from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service in Senior Officials Workshop for All-Hazards Preparedness and from Academic Impressions in Title IX Investigator Training Certification.

Joe Cooper reports to Karl Ivan Solibakke, President. Some of their coworkers include Alan Brew - VP for Academic Affairs, Alexander Patterson - Senior Associate Director of Admissions & Retention Coordinator, and David Ullman - Faculty Council President.