- Director of Cross-Cultural Connections
Center for Diversity and Inclusion
Jordan Cooper, director of cross-cultural connections in the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, has been part of the WashU community for more than a decade, first as a student and now as a staff member. A proud double alumna, she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2014 and her master’s in social work in 2018.
Cooper says she takes pride in the roots she has planted at WashU and the opportunity to stay connected to student life. Day to day, she leads a team that designs and implements programs to create affirming spaces where students can connect, celebrate their cultures and see their identities reflected in the campus experience. She also helps students navigate challenges, explore their identities and build relationships, all in alignment with WashU’s mission.
“I’m driven by the opportunity to help students feel seen, heard and valued, contributing to a sense of belonging across campus,” Cooper said.
Her dedication to students is matched by her commitment to growing within the university community. She credits the collaborative environment at WashU for helping her evolve into leadership roles while remaining grounded in a shared purpose. She also points to professional development opportunities available to employees, such as the Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) program as key to her journey.
The work is meaningful, and I’ve had room to evolve into leadership while staying rooted in a shared purpose of supporting students as they grow and develop into people and professionals with vision and purpose.
Jordan Cooper, director of cross-cultural connections
Colleagues highlight Cooper’s leadership and impact across campus.
“Her leadership extends beyond launching initiatives; she creates intentional spaces for all students that help bridge diverse cultural backgrounds across campus,” said Jacob Chacko, executive director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.
Her work has also been recognized more broadly. In 2019, she received the Inclusive Excellence Award from the Division of Student Affairs for her contributions to student development and equity. She served as an advisor to student groups, including the Association of Black Students and the Hamsini Living-Learning Community, and serves as an instructor for the Dialogue Across Difference course.
When she’s not on campus, Cooper enjoys reading, building Legos and spending time with family and close friends. She also serves on the Young Professionals Association for Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri.