Stephanie Cooper Strengthens Student Support at UNLV, Expands Resources for Crisis Response and Campus Well-Being
Stephanie Cooper, Executive Director of Student Support and Advocacy at UNLV, discusses the creation of her office, which aims to provide a centralized resource for students facing crises or insecurities. Cooper, who has been at UNLV for 18 years, emphasizes the importance of compassion and collaboration in her role. She highlights common student issues like food and housing insecurities and the success of the "How Can We Help" form, which responds to student queries within 48 hours. Cooper also mentions initiatives like pop-up pantries in dorms and the development of a larger student lounge. She stresses the importance of listening to students and building relationships across campus.
Creators and Guests
Host
Dr. Sammie L. Scales
Dr. Sammie Scales serves is the Assistant Director for Student Diversity Programs (SDP) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he leads initiatives focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Dr. Scales earned his joint doctoral degree in Education with a specialization in Teaching and Culture from San Diego State University (SDSU) and Claremont Graduate University (CGU) in 2020, showcasing his commitment to understanding educational dynamics within diverse cultural contexts. His academic journey also includes a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English, both from SDSU, with a focus on Children’s Literature. Beyond the confines of traditional academia, Dr. Scales has made a significant impact as a lecturer at SDSU, where he imparted knowledge across a spectrum of subjects including Cultural Studies, History, English, History from a Black Perspective, and First Year Experience (FYE) classes. His pedagogical approach transcends conventional methodologies, viewing the classroom as a platform for sparking inquiry, engaging in dialogue, and nurturing practices that foster individual, group, and community success. A tireless advocate for equity-minded education, Dr. Scales ensures that his classrooms exemplify inclusivity and embrace students from diverse backgrounds and identities. Recognizing the transformative power of diversity, he prepares students to thrive within the vibrant tapestry of a heterogeneous learning community. Throughout each academic term, Dr. Scales actively cultivates an environment of openness and collaboration, fostering understanding and solidarity among students. As the Interim Assistant Director of Student Diversity Programs at UNLV, he continues to champion DEI initiatives, driving forward the university’s commitment to creating an environment where every individual feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
