TOLEDO, Ohio — For more than 10 years, Dr. Christopher Cooper has not only led the University of Toledo's College of Medicine and Life Sciences, he's led its students in a monthly exercise.
Cooper and a handful of students gathered at the Mulford Library on campus Tuesday for the monthly "Run/Walk with the Dean" event, meant to facilitate building relationships.
Cooper walked with WTOL 11 on Tuesday and reflected on his tenure as dean.
"I love the people I get to work with," he said. "They are very dedicated to do the right thing."
Cooper has seen a lot of growth out of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences since he became dean in 2014, which he credits to faculty, staff and students.
"The student-facing programs have gotten a lot stronger over the past 10 years and you're just very proud of the faculty and staff for the work that they do to create a great environment," he said.
One of the proud aspects of his tenure has been the growth of the UToledo Medical Center, which has continued to remain strong, in the eyes of Cooper, despite enrollment concerns as a university whole.
"We've been blessed," he said. "Our college has not had enrollment challenges; we've committed to slow, steady growth. We're adding new programs, we've got a new undergraduate degree in radiation therapy, which is a terrific opportunity. We've got a new undergraduate degree in neurosciences, which is another great opportunity, so we're continuing to grow and look for good things to come."
Cooper also put to bed rumors of retiring. Instead, he's shifting to a faculty role.
"I've committed to doing five years as dean," he said. "I renewed my contract for five years. I think it's a good opportunity for the university and for me."
It is not yet known who will replace Cooper as dean.
In the eyes of students who have been joining Cooper for months on his runs, the opportunity to build personal relationships is priceless.
"I think it's really unique and it fits the University of Toledo Medical School's mission statement," said graduate student Dakota Cecil. "It fosters a sense of community, even if it's just a dean coming out for a run."
For Cooper, connecting with and seeing students succeed while dean has been the ultimate joy of his time in the role.
"It's been a terrific opportunity to be able to work with them and help create resources for them and help them progress has been a huge honor," he said.