Cooper departs Charter Schools Office role for new position

July 18, 2023 (Volume 46, Number 19)
Article by Brian Vernellis

Don Cooper

After more than five years with the Charter Schools Office, Don Cooper, assistant vice president for Charter Schools, has accepted a new position outside of the university.

Under Cooper’s guidance and leadership, the CSO achieved several key target areas in improving educational opportunities for students:

Strengthening the CSO's core authorizing functions, including the implementation of a best-in-class renewal process.
Formalizing the CSO's research and publishing agenda.
Expanding the CSO's portfolio into Traverse City, re-engaging with cyber charter schools and growing early/middle college programs.
Achieving a record number of charter alumni matriculating to the university to continue their education.

A national search will begin to fill Cooper’s role. Rob Kimball, associate vice president and executive associate to the president, will serve as the office’s interim director. Kimball led the CSO from 2017-2021.