Lerri Cooper

2021 Distinguished Alumni

B.A. Sociology '76

Lerri Round Cooper was born and raised in Ponca City, Okla. She attended Oklahoma State University from 1972 to 1976, where she studied Sociology, and developed a particular interest in child development, learning theory, and how social structures and individual psychology interact.

At OSU she was an active member of Chi Omega Sorority, and at a fraternity/sorority function she met her husband, Rick Cooper. They married in 1976. When their two sons, Tanner and Ty, began elementary school, she began pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling at The University of Central Oklahoma. Upon graduation from UCO she began a rewarding volunteer career at Edmond Family Counseling, where she developed, coordinated, and taught a program designed to help children cope with divorce. She also worked with Edmond Municipal Court, doing assessments, making recommendations to the court, and teaching Life Skills to first time juvenile offenders.

Having an appreciation for and commitment to public education, Lerri also enjoyed many years of involvement in Edmond Public Schools. She served for 15 years in various offices in Parent Teacher Organizations, numerous EPS district committees, and the education committee for Edmond Women’s Club. In 1999, she was elected to the Edmond Public Schools Board of Education, where she served for six years, two as president of the board.
Currently, she enjoys retirement, traveling extensively with her husband, pursuing her hobbies, and keeping up with her four grandchildren.