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Darla M. Cooper, BA in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego, and an MSEd and EdD from the University of Southern California (she/her/hers)

Executive Director
The RP Group
San Rafael, California, United States

Dr. Darla M. Cooper is an educational leader and expert in research and evaluation dedicated to using inquiry, data, and evidence to improve the lives of all community college students. Having worked in the California Community Colleges system for over 25 years, she is currently the Executive Director for The RP Group and the Board Past President of the Umoja Community Education Foundation. At The RP Group, she has led landmark research projects that aim to improve student success: Student Support (Re)defined, Through the Gate, African American Transfer Tipping Point, and Geographic Barriers to Transfer. Dr. Cooper has also worked on national projects: Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) Pathways Project. Dr. Cooper is the recipient of the 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. She holds degrees from the University of California, San Diego, and the University of Southern California.

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