Advising award honors retiring student services coordinator

Denise Cooper, student services coordinator for the Thomas Walter Center (TWC), has been awarded Auburn University’s Advising Above and Beyond Award as she prepares to retire after 32 years of service.

Cooper, who has spent 26 of those years supporting students in TWC’s Business-Engineering-Technology minor, said the recognition from her peers is especially meaningful.

“Having colleagues I admire recognize me, especially in a community that so deeply values student success, makes this especially meaningful,” Cooper said. “I never expect recognition for doing what I genuinely love, so this honor means more to me than I can put into words. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our students and deeply thankful to be part of such a supportive and dedicated Auburn community.”

Cooper has served as a student services coordinator since joining the Thomas Walter Center. She said the most rewarding part of her career has been helping students discover their strengths and define their goals.

“What I enjoy most about serving as a student services coordinator is the opportunity to support students as they discover their strengths and define their goals,” she said. “Every conversation is a chance to guide, encourage and celebrate their achievements. Watching a student gain confidence, overcome challenges and reach a milestone they once questioned is both a privilege and a true reflection of the Auburn spirit.”

She previously received Auburn’s Spirit of Excellence Award in 2018.

Mackenzi Griggers, student services coordinator for the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling, nominated Cooper for the award.

“Denise connects with students in a way many can’t,” Griggers said. “She is outgoing, personable, kind and she is always available to help her students and faculty. The students in the program have really connected with Denise. She makes people feel safe, and I have seen this many times with students.”

Griggers said Cooper consistently goes beyond expectations.

“She truly cares about these students, and she goes beyond the call of advising in getting to know them as people and becoming a safe person for them,” she said.