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Robby Cooper

Robby Cooper
Scholarly Associate Professor Johnson Tower 525, Pullman 305 NE TROY MALL

Curriculum Vitae (pdf)

Education/Training

  • Ph.D., Recreation, Park and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, 2012
  • M.S., Recreation, Park and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, 2010
  • B.S., Southeast Missouri State University, 2005

Professional Experience

Present
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Human Development, Washington State University

2007-2012
Assistant Program Director and Logistics Coordinator, ORION Wilderness Experience, Pennsylvania State University

2006-2012
Research Assistant, Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University

Teaching Assistant and Instructor, Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University

Areas of Emphasis

  • College student success and well-being
  • Emerging Adulthood
  • Experiential Education
  • Challenge and Outdoor Education

Research Interests

I study emerging adulthood, with a particular focus on college students. I primarily focus on ways in which we can improve students’ adjustment to college, student retention and managing the risk factors associated with the lives of college students. I am interested in the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) with college students, in an effort to manage challenges such as stress, anxiety and depression, set clear and purposeful goals, and develop action plans for college success. I also focus on experiential education and programming (sometimes outdoor experiences) as a vehicle for teaching and student development. I am involved with multiple groups on campus who work to develop, implement and evaluate the efficacy of classes and programs intended to encourage student success.

Selected Publications

Cooper, R.J., Vanderwey, S.A., & Wright, K.C. Strategies to Promote Fidelity in Program Evaluation Using Third-party Data Collection. Journal of Extension.

VanderWey, S., Cooper, R.C. Wright, K.C. 2016. Evaluating the Development of Life Skills Through a 4-H Adventure Education Challenge Course.  Abstracts from the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 13th Biennial Research Symposium.