Stephanie Cooper has been at UNLV for almost two decades, and is leading the new role of executive director of Student Support and Advocacy (SSA) — a newly created unit within the Division of Student Affairs.

The unit and Cooper's position were created to centralize student support services and resources that assist vulnerable student populations. SSA is streamlining processes and minimizing duplicative efforts, which gives the unit a better opportunity to identify gaps and unmet needs.

Cooper is leading the way to provide easy and equitable access for students needing specialized support and resources. 

Every student, says Cooper, is unique and so are their challenges. Helping students obtain resources so they can focus on academic success often requires a hands-on approach to finding short-term solutions with long-term benefits. 

"As we continue to see these needs grow here at UNLV and across the nation," she says, "it is crucial to propel this work forward in an efficient way that produces meaningful and measurable results."

What makes working in Student Affairs so special to you?

Student Affairs touches every corner of our campus community, and the work we do is profoundly relational. In a time when society feels so disconnected, we show up for our students and for each other. We are constantly striving to break down barriers and find workarounds to improve the quality of the student experience while promoting a positive and supportive environment.

Through struggles and triumphs, we walk alongside our students, making lasting impacts that we may never fully understand or realize. Our work is dynamic and demands empathy, resilience and a deep commitment to care.

We never know what each new day will bring and the weight of this work can be emotionally heavy. Fortunately, we can lean on each other for support. We are more than colleagues, we are a family. It's a privilege to work with incredibly selfless and dedicated people who truly care about our students, this institution, and our mission. 

What services do you wish students knew more about?

We have a myriad of incredible support services for students. So many, in fact, that it can be overwhelming to find exactly what is needed.

My office has often served as a "first-stop" for students who aren’t sure where else to turn. Although we cannot fix every problem, we can guide students through a process, get them properly connected to appropriate staff and relevant resources, or advocate on their behalf in special situations.

We are highly skilled in dissecting student challenges and presenting a customized path forward. If a matter falls outside our purview, we do not send students away; in fact, we respond with compassion and get them directly connected to our resident experts who can help. I always like to remind students that we are happy to be a point-of-contact if they need assistance in the future.

During the pandemic the How Can We Help form was born and is managed by my office. We have been using this form for nearly five years, and it has proven to be a very effective tool for students. We routinely promote this information to our campus community and encourage students to start with this simple form. 

What is a meaningful spot for you on campus — either personally or professionally — and why?  

Some of my best memories are of my daughter visiting campus as a toddler. I used to  take her to the Student Union courtyard and let her run around. She loved it! As I watched her play, I used to visualize her walking the campus as a UNLV student one day. I’m proud to say that day is finally here. My daughter is currently a freshman on campus and loves being a Rebel. I thoroughly enjoy being an active part of her higher education journey.

It makes me so happy knowing that we are on campus together every day. I’m very proud of her accomplishments and her ability to adjust to college life. She is extremely involved, and I know that is vital to her success. I’m grateful to all of my colleagues who engage her, educate her, and genuinely care about her well-being. I’ve waited for this moment for 17 years, and I’m soaking it all in.

Every time I walk through that courtyard, I smile because I still see my little girl running up and down those grassy stairs in her pink camo pants, white T-shirt and pigtails. Oh, how I miss those days.    

What’s one thing that people might be surprised to learn about you?

In 2017, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. That was a difficult time for me, and the thought of having to be on medication for the rest of my life was hard to process. The pain was life-altering, and the medication produced inconsistent results. In 2020, after experimenting with a vegan diet, I was fortunate to experience remission for three years. But, the RA eventually resurfaced, which led me on a journey trying to find a more homeopathic approach to alleviate my pain.

Many might be surprised to learn that I'm constantly managing some level of pain. I generally try to hide my pain behind a smile, but there are some days that are more difficult to navigate than others. My RA does not define me though — it’s just one part of my story, not the whole narrative.

My health journey is not easy, but I am dedicated to finding my way back to remission again. I spend a lot of my personal time researching natural supplements, clean eating and lifestyle changes. My supplement regimen has evolved significantly, and I continue to seek new knowledge and learn about fighting this condition from others who share similar experiences.   

Outside of work, what are you passionate about?

I am and always have been passionate about my daughter. Being a parent is challenging, messy, and emotional but it is rewarding beyond all measure. It’s been a joy watching her dance through the many phases of life … and it’s been very difficult not being able to save her from the heartache and pain that life dishes out too. But, even in the face of adversity, my daughter is resilient and full of hope, compassion, generosity, and drive. She sees a bright future, and I am always amazed by that.

In some aspects, she is a lot like me — and then completely different in others. She definitely marches to the beat of her own drum. She makes me laugh and sometimes she makes me cry. But, she grounds me and inspires me. She regularly challenges me and makes me rethink my position on certain matters. And her presence in my life makes me beam with pride knowing that I get to be her mom every single day. She is my everything.