A Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) scholar hopes to become a university president and make a difference for low-income and first-generation students.
Kevin Cooper, Jr., a student at TMCF member school Jackson State University, is pursuing a doctorate in urban educational leadership. He has leadership aspirations in the field of higher education.
Cooper is a recipient of the Sallie Mae Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students.
“The Sallie Mae Bridging The Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students helped alleviate financial stress, allowing me to focus more on my studies and development,” Cooper said. “It also gave me access to opportunities that have been invaluable in shaping my professional and collegiate path.”
It’s an important path for Cooper.
“I aspire to become a university president at an HBCU, where I can focus on creating sustainable support systems for low-income and first-generation students,” Cooper said. “My goal is to drive transformative change in higher education and ensure equitable opportunities for all students.”
He called his experience with TMCF transformational.
“TMCF has not only provided financial support but also invaluable skill-building opportunities, equipping me with tools to excel academically and preparing me for a career in educational leadership,” Cooper said.
As he prepares for a career in leadership, Cooper exudes gratitude and plans to lift up others.
“I’d like to emphasize how grateful I am for TMCF for investing in students like me,” he said. “TMCF’s commitment to education and leadership development has inspired me to continue striving for excellence and to pay it forward in my community and profession.”
