How it all started ...
Meet the founder, Scott Cooper
JANUARY 7
How to negotiate
Every entrepreneur should master the art of being able to negotiate. From lease agreements to employee contracts, negotiating is a part of the business life. This podcast explores 5 fundamental strategies and skills to successful negotiation.
Ahoy! I’m Scott Cooper, and if you’re here, chances are you or someone you love is about to set sail on one of life’s biggest journeys: the voyage to college.
I’ve spent over two decades helping students navigate the often choppy waters of education. From high school teaching and coaching to college leadership and transfer counseling, I’ve had the privilege of being part of thousands of student journeys.
Today, I serve as the Transfer Counselor at College of the Desert (also known as "Transfer Man") - where I help students chart their course to four-year universities. I also serve as the Chair of the CA Region 9 Transfer Center Directors and advise the campus Rotaract Club , helping students grow both as scholars and as leaders.
Earlier in my career, I served as Dean of Student Success, where I helped oversee a fleet of student support programs — TRIO, EOPS, CalWorks, Student Health, Student Life — you name it. I’ve helped secure federal grants, piloted new programs in underserved ports like Desert Hot Springs, and collaborated across departments to keep students on course.
As Director of Educational Centers, I helped launch new campuses and expand offerings across the Coachella Valley. Whether steering through budget meetings or staffing plans, I worked to build strong, sustainable structures that support students long-term.
But before all of that, I got my sea legs as a
high school teacher and aquatics coach. I taught, coached, recruited, and fundraised. I also learned the value of trust, humor, and listening—qualities that still anchor my work today.
My Favorite Role
Of all my titles, the one I treasure most is Dad. My kids are the greatest adventure of my life, and they remind me daily that every journey is better with laughter, snacks, and a healthy dose of dad jokes. (Fair warning: I’ve got an endless supply.)
So while I take the college process seriously, I also believe in making it human, hopeful, and even fun. Whether we’re charting your first application, changing course with a transfer plan, or just figuring out which direction to head, I’ll be your guide—compass in hand, map at the ready, and maybe even a life preserver of humor when the stress starts rising.
College is a big voyage. Let’s cruise to college with confidence
— and maybe even enjoy the view along the way!
Let's get started!