Braedan Shea
@braedan_shea
In the latest edition of The Springfield Student’s weekly Q&A, Springfield College president Mary-Beth Cooper — the first woman to serve in the role — explains why she came to Springfield, gives advice to her younger self and reveals her favorite place to relax on campus.
Student: Why did you choose Springfield College?
Cooper: While I lived in Rochester, where I was working in higher education (as senior vice president for student affairs at Rochester Institute of Technology), I was very active in the YMCA. I was, in fact, the board chair for the Rochester YMCA. I was told that there was a school that actually has a history with Y. It was the first Presidency I applied for, and it all worked out. I married my commitment to the YMCA, which I did as a personal choice, and then my profession, which was higher education. It was perfect for me because I’ve had my love of both things.
Student: What is your go-to gas station snack and drink?
Cooper: I’d probably stop at a Mobile, and I don’t know why. I think it’s just brand history. And if it has a Starbucks, my go-to is a large, unsweetened iced tea with two sweeteners. The snack is those little egg whites or pretzels.
Student: What is the most underrated part of campus?
Cooper: Rally Hill, because of its history. Athletes know because they train on it. A lot of our alums come back and tell us how they sled down it on trays from the dining hall – which we don’t have anymore. But I think Rally Hill is the best-kept secret. And it’s beautiful when you look at it. One of our groundskeepers made a beautiful triangle back there.
Student: What is one thing on your bucket list?
Cooper: It used to be a marathon, but I did that. It was on my bucket list for a long time. I’d like to go see Alaska. I’ll probably do that.
Student: What would you tell your younger self?
Cooper: Don’t worry so much about what people think of you. Also don’t stop running or [doing] strength and conditioning. Every time I do – I’m back in strength and conditioning now – you lose it so fast. That is what I would tell my younger self last week. Don’t stop because when you start again, the squats and the lunges hurt just as much, or more, than the next time you start.
Student: What is your favorite place to relax on campus?
Cooper: In the two green Adirondack chairs outside my house. I love to sit out there and just watch people and cars. And I can hear all the music from practice. Not very many people see me sitting out there, but sometimes I will sit with a glass of wine or a cup of tea.
Student: If you could have dinner with anybody ever, who would it be?
Cooper: I really would like to have dinner with Jack Nicklaus. I’ve watched him since I was a kid. Obviously he’s still alive. So he’s available.
Student: What is something that you like to do in your free time?
Cooper: I like to work out, and I like to read. I also love to be at the beach – my favorite place ever.
Student: What is something that makes you smile without fail?
Cooper: My son.
Photo courtesy of Springfield College