About Me
Dr. Cooper is an experienced historian, educator, and academic leader with more than a decade of teaching and leadership experience across secondary and higher education. Holding a Ph.D. in History with a focus on American History and Technology, along with multiple graduate degrees in History, Educational Leadership, and Secondary Education, Dr. Cooper brings a rare blend of scholarly depth, pedagogical rigor, and real-world leadership to the classroom.
Since 2015, Dr. Cooper has served as an adjunct professor of history at multiple institutions, teaching a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in U.S. history, technology, culture, and historical analysis. Known for engaging, student-centered instruction, Dr. Cooper emphasizes critical thinking, primary source analysis, and historical relevance, consistently connecting past innovations and events to contemporary issues. His commitment to academic excellence has been recognized through nominations for Instructional Excellence Awards and consistently strong student feedback.
In addition to higher education, Dr. Cooper has extensive experience in K–12 education, having served as a high school history, government, and psychology teacher as well as an assistant principal. These leadership roles strengthened his expertise in curriculum development, faculty mentoring, accreditation alignment, and student support systems. His background allows him to bridge theory and practice, ensuring instruction meets institutional standards while remaining accessible and meaningful to diverse learners.
Dr. Cooper’s professional interests include the history of technology, cultural change, trauma-informed pedagogy, and innovative approaches to teaching history. He is particularly invested in helping educators understand how historical content, technology, and emotional context intersect in the learning process. He regularly develops professional development materials, course frameworks, and instructional resources designed to enhance engagement, rigor, and empathy in historical education.
Beyond academia, Dr. Cooper brings prior experience in business, corporate training, and technology services, which informs his practical, organized, and forward-thinking approach to education. This multidisciplinary background supports his ability to adapt to institutional needs, collaborate effectively with colleagues, and mentor students preparing for professional and civic life.
Above all, Dr. Cooper is committed to fostering thoughtful inquiry, intellectual curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. Whether in the classroom, in leadership, or in curriculum design, he strives to create learning environments where students feel challenged, supported, and empowered to think critically about the past and their place in the world.
Education
Ph.D. in History (American History & Technology Focus)
Liberty UniversityM.A. in History
American UniversityM.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Indiana Wesleyan UniversityM.A. in Secondary Education
University of PhoenixB.A. in Anthropology
Indiana University
University Faculty Profile Summary
Dr. Cooper is an adjunct professor of history specializing in American history, technology, and cultural change. His teaching approach emphasizes critical inquiry, primary source analysis, and meaningful connections between historical developments and contemporary society. With experience teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses, he is committed to academic rigor, student engagement, and inclusive learning environments.
Dr. Cooper’s professional background includes extensive service in higher education and secondary education, as well as academic leadership as an assistant principal. His interdisciplinary experience in education, technology, and business informs a practical, student-centered approach to instruction and curriculum design. He is particularly interested in trauma-informed pedagogy, innovative instructional strategies, and the role of technology in shaping historical narratives.
Dr. Cooper remains dedicated to mentoring students, supporting colleagues, and advancing historical understanding through thoughtful teaching, curriculum development, and professional collaboration.