Tamara Cooper ’23M

Supporting student retention at UNCW is no easy puzzle. Thankfully, Tamara Cooper ’23M serves as the leading variable to balancing the complex equation.

Cooper graduated with a master’s in mathematics with a concentration in statistics from UNCW. She now serves as the university’s retention specialist for Student Success and Retention.

“I perform statistical and data science analyses to inform outreach and success initiatives and programs to help every Seahawk stay, thrive and succeed at UNCW,” said Cooper.

The Student Success and Retention office collaborates with campus partners to assist students in their journeys to complete their degrees. The team uses data to employ outreach strategies that support its mission.

“In SSR, we often describe ourselves as the bridge between the two areas of academic and student affairs. Each brings different expertise, but we’re aligned on one goal: supporting the whole student,” said Cooper. “We focus on collaboration, clear communication and using data to show where joint efforts can make the most impact.”

Cooper’s mathematics background assists her in her efforts to address student retention. For example, Cooper notes how math-intensive programs face several retention challenges, such as varying levels of high school preparation for students.

“Early math courses often act as gatekeepers for many majors and the sequential nature of the curriculum means small gaps in knowledge compound quickly.”

Cooper contributes these gaps in knowledge to barriers for realizing success in STEM and other research focused programs. Yet, mathematics is not her only focus.

“My focus is on undergraduate success as a whole, not specific programs or majors. I look at the students’ academic progression and then analyze data points from various sources to inform decision makers of the reality of UNCW student success, develop action plans with partners and assess and scale our initiatives,” Cooper said.

Recently, she co-presented with two of her colleagues at the National Symposium of Student Retention in Reno, Nevada.

“Participating in national retention conversations has proven that, although UNCW has its own unique challenges, all institutions have similar concerns and opportunities for improvement."

Cooper fell in love with Wilmington after moving for her master’s studies. The beautiful city and weather were perfect for her and her husband to walk, hike and adventure with their dog year-round.

“Since becoming a Seahawk, I have seen great success from my work as a master’s student in the mathematics and statistics department to my role as a retention specialist,” said Cooper.

“I couldn’t have achieved so much without the support of the great staff and faculty here at UNCW. My aim is to reciprocate by supporting current and future Seahawks in achieving their dreams.”