ShaRonda Cooper, Ph.D., M.Ed., LPC, is the first Assistant Dean for Students at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM). Dr. Cooper will be leading student life and wellness initiatives, as well as efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“Dr. Cooper has impressed everyone with her energy, positivity, and new ideas for veterinary students and will bring her unique skill set to this new position,” says Dr. India Lane, the college’s Associate Dean of Students. “She will provide much-needed ongoing attention to the nonacademic and wellness needs of all our veterinary students.”

Dr. Cooper is a licensed professional counselor and has led numerous student affairs and multicultural programs at the University of Georgia and other universities, including working with high-risk veterinary students in the Department of Health Promotion at UGA.  “I am excited to join the UTCVM team and honored by the opportunity to serve in this role,” says Dr. Cooper. “Our students recognize the need for diversity initiatives. They are hungry for the engagement that comes from such a rich and diverse environment, including the diversity of thought.” Dr. Cooper says she looks forward to supporting the academic excellence at UTCVM and supporting the needs of the students.

Cooper holds a bachelor’s degree from Fort Valley State University in Georgia as well as a Master of Education, Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling degree and Ph.D. in Higher Education from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.