By Kaleb Knowles
In a decisive move shaping Springfield College’s future, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved a contract extension for its 13th president, Mary-Beth Cooper, early Friday morning. While this decision may have surprised some, Cooper remains fully committed to leading the campus forward.
“I’m not embarrassed to say, I’m very student-centered; the students are very important to me,” Cooper said. “From my perspective, I get my energy listening to students talk about what they love about Springfield College.”
Cooper’s energy shows no sign of slowing down in the near future. Cooper’s original contract, which was set to expire in the summer of 2027, has now been extended multiple years, cementing Cooper as the face of Springfield College.
“Lots of people, when they retire, feel like they have done what they can,” Cooper said. “I feel like my work is not done yet. I want to leave Springfield College stronger than I found it.”
The President’s decision to extend her contract comes from a feeling that she still has more to provide on Alden Street. And while there might not be an exact time frame for how much longer she has left in the role, her goals for the campus have never been clearer.
One of the big initiatives for the future is to focus on a potential new building on campus, in addition to the newly completed Brown-Cooper Health Science Center. The new idea may be the possible construction of a new residence hall, to replace the now-demolished Gulick Hall.
“We’re looking for those who have maybe looked at four or five other campuses before they came here, and thought if Springfield College had X or Y, it would be a slam dunk,” Cooper said. “Everybody wants a place that they can call home and is comfortable and meets all their needs.”
In her time on campus, Cooper has navigated the college through many difficult periods in the world and sustained challenges in higher education. From the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 to the various conflicts and wars across the world, Cooper has done her best to be committed to supporting students on campus and focusing on progress.
Even though Cooper is now in year 14 of her tenure at Springfield College, she remains committed to the future of the campus. This is another reason why she truly felt now was the best time to extend her contract.
“Part of it is understanding what students are looking for and how we can provide our employees with the best work experience, too,” Cooper added.
In her career at Springfield College, Cooper has brought a plan to the campus, and it’s one that she is just not ready to move on from yet. Both the Learning Commons and the aforementioned Brown-Cooper Health Science Center were projects that were completed during her tenure as President. She has also made countless connections with students on campus and has put a lot of work and effort into supporting international students on campus. Just this past week, she and the college committed great effort into this year’s “Giving Day,” where the set goal of one million dollars was successfully raised for the college.
Cooper’s commitment to the college and its students is not something she takes lightly, and she wants it to continue.
“I’m here to get some work done,” Cooper said. “And to make sure that the student experience and the strategic plan is fully implemented, or at least on its way to creating success for Springfield College.”
Cooper now turns her attention to the plan ahead. With the attention of a contract extension now behind her, she is fully focused on adding to the campus. With the ideas for a new residence hall and student connections in the future, President Cooper doesn’t plan on going anywhere, and is fully committed for the next few years to making Alden Street a desired spot for future students.
“I call Springfield College home,” Cooper said, “and so I wasn’t ready for it to not be my home anymore.”
Photo courtesy of Springfield College