Home | Cooper Center 2021 | Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service

ACCESS. COLLABORATION. COMMUNITIES. IMPACT

Guided by these four values, the Cooper Center is reimagining what public service means, how the work is carried out, and who is included in the conversation. Through our research, leadership development programs, and local government engagement initiatives, we continue to work toward our vision of good governance, equity, and resilience in every Virginia community.

Leadership Development Gears Up for Full Slate of Programs

The Sorensen Institute, LEAD, SEI and Certification are continuing to offer virtual offerings this fall but in-person programs as well.

New Report: Religious Diversity in Virginia

Senior Demographer Shonel Sen and PhD intern Rebecca Bultman co-authored a new StatChat report that takes a look at the religious makeup of Virginia and its localities.

Congratulations to Molly and Beth

Molly Harlow is the new Interim Director of Leadership Development Programs and Beth Bennett is the new Director of Certification Programs.

Stories of Impact: The Racial Dot Map

“The racial dot map is one the most important tools I use in my teaching. It helps students conceptualize how identity and place intersect, and how issues with race are structural and systemic. It sparks intellectual and compassionate curiosity in students. It encourages students to work towards a more just society. ”

Benjamin Wendorf

Associate Professor of History, Quinsigamond Community College; Worcester, MA

Recently, we collected over 600 testimonials from people across diverse sectors who are using the racial dot map in a variety of ways, often to promote equity and inclusivity in their communities. For example, the map was used to help create equitable school districts in Ohio, develop fair housing policies in New York, and overcome health disparities in Indiana. Learn more.

Stories of Impact

HOW OUR WORK MATTERS

We want to know the value that people find in working with us. We want to live up to that value and incorporate it in every project we undertake. Quite simply, we want our work to matter. On this page, we share with you, a collection of stories of how our work has made a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

REIMAGINING PUBLIC SERVICE: OUR 2020-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN

Through this five-year plan, the Weldon Cooper Center aims to build on our historical strengths, while joining forces with the increasingly diverse group of stakeholders and leaders working diligently to improve public life in Virginia and beyond. Through collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and attention to impact, we aim to engage the University in making the Commonwealth a national model for good governance and resilient communities. View the plan.