The PROPS program includes a monthly profile of an A-State staff member that works every day behind the scenes to improve Arkansas State University… because EVERY Red Wolf Counts!
Staff members are selected from a pool of candidates that is created from the PROPS nomination form.
Jerry Cooper
Jerry Cooper was nominated by Caleb Keating for P.R.O.P.S. recognition. Caleb had “many reasons” for nominating Jerry and said he has “seen him put in dedication and care that you would expect from someone who has spent their whole career here.” “From finding ways to enhance the campus to putting a smile on the face of someone in the Student Union, he sets the standard for [caring.] Jerry is “always trying to learn something new and put his best foot forward in the field. He is never one to turn down an opportunity to help and makes every new person and existing employee feel like they are part of the crew.”
P.R.O.P.S. subcommittee members Kelsey DeFord and Madelyn Carson spoke with Jerry recently to learn more about him and his experience at A-State.
What do you like most about A-State?
A-State is a mini city; you’ve got to have each and every person in order to keep it functioning. Generally, for me, it’s the people. All over campus, I can go to anybody and I can find a topic that I can talk to them about. I can see their faces smile. Just the ability to contact and communicate with people of many different backgrounds. I graduated in 2021 with my bachelor’s degree. I’m a recent A-State graduate and am working on my master’s at the current moment. But, it’s the people and seeing them smile, and being able to learn something new from someone I might not talk to again.
In school, what were you most known for?
I actually got involved with computers when I was three years old. I found my calling very early on. I was just sneaking behind my parents and working with computers, and it grew from there. Besides my IT skills, I was known for being most helpful. I did get nominated for that in my high school’s “Who’s Who” competition. I just like being able to provide something that most people may not have a lot of knowledge on. Maybe it’s just their background or how they grew up; there’s still a big need for computer [skills.] And one of the things that I tend to do when I’m working on computers is that I’m in a teaching mode. So, that you’ll be comfortable when I’m not by your side if a problem does reoccur. I always love teaching others, no matter what because it just makes me happy.
With my position in the student union, I get to see so many departments and I still help out with the AV department where Caleb was. Being able to see instructors and other computer techs across campus, and being able to lend a hand to them.
What do you wish everyone on campus knew about your position?
More people should understand that there is a process. And yes, my job is to fix computers and to make sure they’re running okay. But, I feel like my position has grown. I want people to know that no matter what happens, I want them to have the best experience possible. And whether the project is two days long or two weeks long, I want people to understand what’s happening and making sure they understand that if the problem does reoccur, how they can solve it. My position is also a teaching role, because of how many people I connect with.
What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal would be chicken alfredo. I love pastas. I will make a whole batch of pasta, and spread it out over a day or so. And it is the best thing ever, because you have something that saves money and have something that’s delicious! (laughs)
What music is currently playing in your car?
EDM music. Because of my audio and video background, I love music festivals. I recently went to Bonnaroo last summer, in the middle of Tennessee. I realized that I didn’t have a camping pass, so luckily I had my friends help me out. I had to park at the local Walmart and walk 3-5 miles to the fairgrounds. It was an experience, I will say. (laughs)
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
One of my favorite movie quotes of all time comes from the movie Robots: “See a need, fill a need.” All that means is if there’s a challenge, if there’s something that needs to be fixed, researched, or developed, I want to put my foot out there. And ask myself “what can I offer in this situation?” That’s one of the mottos I live by every day. Where do I see a need and how can I fill it?
Never let anything hold you back. If you want to do something and do it bad, there is nothing that will stop you. Now granted, it may be a bad idea, but that’s how we learn. That is how we learn in this life. And if we don’t make mistakes, then how are we supposed to learn? Like the musical festival, I bought my ticket the day of the festival. It had already jumped up by $200. I was like “I want to go, I want to do this,” and I took a chance. Bonnaroo was one the best times I’ve ever had. With that, I’ll say “take a chance.”
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
The number one that’s on my bucket list is Japan. I want to go see Tokyo and be able to experience that. I love Japanese culture. The one after that would be Germany. Japan and Germany are two places I want to visit. And Germany is because I have a friend stationed over there. I want to go to see him.
Before retiring, what would you like to do?
I want to visit as many places as I can. That is my goal. I love traveling and being able to see different places and different cultures. And being able to share that with other people. Myself, I live in an apartment with all international students. And being able to experience their point of views on the United States and stuff like that; it is very enlightening. And so I would love to travel to places like Germany, Japan, Poland. Just anywhere I can.
