Erik Cooper, EdD
Vice Chancellor of Research, Analytics and Data
As the vice chancellor of Workforce and Research, Erik Cooper, Ed.D, supports the Research, Analytics and Data division, planning and directing the design of research, data elements and infrastructure, and data visualization, availability and use in statewide reporting to and by the Chancellor’s Office, with critical support for workforce-related Vision 2030 demonstration programs, workforce-related initiatives, and improvement in the measurement and representation of not for credit/contract education officially within the system’s MIS data.
Cooper joined the Chancellor’s Office in 2022, serving as the associate vice chancellor for Data, Visualization, and Research where he helped expand the research team, oversaw the development of the DataVista, and supported a variety of projects related to transfer, equitable placement, common course numbering, and Vision 2030.
Prior to coming to the Chancellor’s Office, Dr. Cooper worked at Sierra College as Dean of Planning, Research, and Resource Development, Interim Dean of the Library and Learning Resources, oversaw the staff development office, and was the college Accreditation Liaison Officer during its most recent accreditation cycle. In addition to his regular duties, Dr. Cooper served on multiple IEPI Partnership Resource Teams, ACCJC Site Visit Teams, and was one of the contributors to the proposed new ACCJC standards. Outside of his work at Sierra College, Dr. Cooper served on the Assessment Committee, Common Assessment Initiative Advisory Committee, and the AB 705 Implementation Workgroup. He also served on the RP Group Board of Directors and was Board President from 2020-2022.
Prior to working at Sierra College, Dr. Cooper worked at Yuba College, Western Washington University, and the Oregon Social Learning Center. He attended multiple community colleges in the Sacramento area, earned his BA in Psychology at Sacramento State, earned an MS in Psychology (Neuroscience) at the University of Oregon, and completed a Doctor of Education Leadership at Sacramento State. His dissertation, Efficacy of the California Basic Skills Initiative, earned the Sacramento State and RP Group awards for excellence.
