Dominic Cooper
San Diego,California
Summary
Transformational higher education leader and diversity strategist with 10+ years of experience advancing equity, access, and student success across academic, community settings. Proven track record in designing inclusive outreach strategies, leading cross-functional teams, and cultivating strategic partnerships that drive enrollment and retention among historically marginalized populations. Passionate educator and advocate committed to fostering belonging, mental wellness, and culturally responsive engagement across campus ecosystems.
Experienced with student mentorship and academic advising, fostering student growth and development. Utilizes effective communication and organizational skills to create supportive academic environments. Knowledge of curriculum development and program implementation, ensuring student engagement and success.
Higher education professional prepared to excel in guiding students and facilitating academic success. Known for developing and implementing impactful educational programs that enhance student learning. Valued for collaborative approach and adaptability in dynamic academic settings. Skilled in curriculum development and student mentorship, fostering a supportive and effective learning environment.
Experienced educator with the proven ability to foster collaboration, adapt to changing needs, and achieve results. Strong background in curriculum development, student mentorship, and academic advising. Highly reliable with effective communication and problem-solving skills.
Innovative professional with expertise in promoting academic, career, and social development programs. Possesses excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. A trusted advisor goes the extra mile to help individuals succeed.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Faculty Advisor – Worldbuilding Initiative
Canyon Crest Academy & O’Farrell Charter Schools
03.2025 - Current
- Worked with a cohort of 10-15 students at each workshop
- Guide interdisciplinary student research in AI and bioethics using a peer-led “Collective Intelligence” model.
- Support curriculum development for the Conservatory of the Humanities.
Adjunct Faculty – Cultural Dynamics (BUS LDR 6062)
Point Loma Nazarene University – Fermanian School of Business
09.2025 - 10.2025
- Taught Fall - Quad 1 (2025) graduate-level courses in Cultural Dynamics and leadership in the MBA and MAOL programs.
- Develop syllabi and lesson plans for HyFlex and asynchronous formats.
- Provide student support through grading, advising, and office hours.
Program Manager, Diversity & Community Initiatives
UC San Diego – Skaggs School of Pharmacy
02.2023 - 08.2025
- Led culturally responsive student support programs including mentorship, health equity training, and inclusive recruitment.
- Co-designed and taught H.E.A.R.T. elective focused on DEI in healthcare.
- Increased underrepresented student applications by 20% through targeted MSI outreach.
- Co-chaired JEDI Committee; led climate survey and responsive action planning.
- Developed ambassador training on imposter syndrome and inclusive leadership.
Graduate Assistant – Social Justice Advocacy Series
University of San Diego
San Diego, California
10.2023 - 06.2024
- Coordinated symposium under the theme “Creating Sustainable Change” with the program advisor.
- Supported event logistics, speaker engagement, and student outreach.
- Led and co-developed six Social Justice workshops during the one-year graduate assistant tenure.
- Collaborated with faculty to integrate social justice themes into existing curricula, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue.
- Facilitated discussions and workshops aimed at empowering students to advocate for social change on campus.
- Engaged with community partners to build alliances and support for advocacy initiatives aligned with university goals.
DEI Program Manager | Post-Doc Mentor
La Jolla Institute for Immunology
San Diego, California
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Delivered DEI training and cultural competency workshops for faculty and postdocs.
- Mentored internship students in the LJIDEA pipeline program for basic science and biomedical careers. Provided grant writing assistance for Principal Investigators.
- Evaluated program outcomes using mixed-methods analysis.
- Coordinated mentorship programs aimed at supporting underrepresented groups in biomedical research careers.
- Conducted assessments of DEI program effectiveness through qualitative feedback and quantitative metrics.
- Organized community-building events to foster relationships among postdocs and faculty across disciplines.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Project Manager
UC San Diego – Skaggs School of Pharmacy
La Jolla, California
01.2019 - 02.2023
- Developed an implicit bias curriculum for pharmacy students.
- Co-led DEIA strategic planning and accountability frameworks.
- Expanded partnerships with HBCUs, HSIs, and tribal colleges.
- Organized health equity symposia and student-faculty roundtables.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
EDI Program Coordinator – Research Methodology Training Lab (RMTL)
UC San Diego
La Jolla, California
06.2015 - 01.2019
- Mentored high school scholars in STEM pathways.
- Facilitated wellness check-ins and EDI-based student support.
- Managed outreach and communications for EDI initiatives.
- Developed and implemented outreach strategies to engage underrepresented communities in research opportunities.
- Collaborated with faculty to design and deliver a curriculum that integrates research methodologies with real-world applications.
Education
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Organizational Leadership-Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CABachelor of Science - Public Health
American Public University
Charleston, WVPh.D. - Education for Social Justice
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA05.2027
Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Google Workspace
- Zoom
- Teaching excellence
- Conference presentations
- Mentoring students
- Collaborative learning
- Educational technology
- Inclusive teaching
- Academic advising
- Professional networking
- Career guidance
- Student recruitment
- Workshop facilitation
- Scholarly publishing
- Research supervision
- Dependable and responsible
- Multitasking
Websites
Accomplishments
- Supervised a team of 10 staff members.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Documented and resolved student inquiries, which led to student retention.
- Collaborated with a team of 5 in the development and publication of a mentorship program.
Affiliations
- School Board Member, O’Farrell Charter Schools (2023–Present)
- California Education Policy Fellow, IEL (2024–2025)
- Holmes Scholar, AACTE (2023–2025)
- Board Member, Matthews Foundation of San Diego (2024–Present)
- Community Engagement Team, La Jolla Playhouse (2023–Present)
Certification
- Intensive Case Management – UC San Diego Extension
- EDI Practitioner – UC San Diego LEAD Fellow
- Military Science Vocational Certificate – U.S. Navy
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Adjunct Faculty – Cultural Dynamics (BUS LDR 6062)
Point Loma Nazarene University – Fermanian School of Business
09.2025 - 10.2025
Faculty Advisor – Worldbuilding Initiative
Canyon Crest Academy & O’Farrell Charter Schools
03.2025 - Current
DEI Program Manager | Post-Doc Mentor
La Jolla Institute for Immunology
01.2024 - 05.2024
Graduate Assistant – Social Justice Advocacy Series
University of San Diego
10.2023 - 06.2024
Program Manager, Diversity & Community Initiatives
UC San Diego – Skaggs School of Pharmacy
02.2023 - 08.2025
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Project Manager
UC San Diego – Skaggs School of Pharmacy
01.2019 - 02.2023
EDI Program Coordinator – Research Methodology Training Lab (RMTL)
UC San Diego
06.2015 - 01.2019
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Organizational Leadership-Point Loma Nazarene University
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
American Public University
Ph.D. - Education for Social Justice
University of San Diego
PUBLICATIONS & SCHOLARSHIP
- Cooper, D. (2024). “Development of a Pre-Pharmacy Underrepresented Mentorship Program.” American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education. Link
- Luque, A., Cooper, D. (2025). “Leadership and Artificial Intelligence. New Directions for Student Leadership (NDSL)
- Watkins, C., Cooper, D. (2025). “Behind the Veil: Black Pacemaking and Belonging.” ABS Conference
- Watkins, C., Cooper, D. (2025). “What’s Working Now.” Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice (JSARP)
- “Beyond the Algorithm: Humanizing AI in Culturally Diverse Classrooms” Ed Insights Blog, Sacramento State University (July 2025). Link
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic Enrollment & Outreach Planning
- Inclusive Recruitment & Retention Initiatives
- Higher Education Teaching & Mentorship
- Curriculum Design | Cultural Dynamics | DEI Training
- Community & School Partnerships
- Program Evaluation | Data-Informed Decision Making
- Student Success & Case Management
- Workshop Facilitation | Public Speaking
- Faculty & Staff Development | Team Leadership