Jonathan Cooper: Committed to learning, serving, and advocating for others
Grad Profile
As a non-traditional student and a veteran, I needed more than just a place to take classes. I needed a place where I could grow, lead, and contribute right away. From the beginning, GovState gave me that opportunity.
Intro by Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer
Photo by Isabella Hollingsworth-Sons, Staff Writer
An Army and Marine Corps veteran and the 2025 Lincoln Laureate, Jonathan Cooper returned to school after a 12-year break with the intention to make an impact. Pursuing a double major of Political Science and History at Governors State University (GovState), Jonathan found a community where he could lead, serve, and grow.
He became a part of student leadership, joining multiple campus organizations including Alpha Theta Rho (GovState's Alpha Phi Omega chapter), Student Veterans Association, and SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society (he currently serves as president of all three organizations). Jonathan also joined the Student Senate as the Student Veterans Representative, so he could advocate for fellow veterans, ensuring their voices are heard on campus.
Following Commencement, Jonathan plans to continue his journey at GovState with the master’s program in Political and Social Justice Studies.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to GovState?
Jonathan: What drew me to GovState was the feeling that I would matter here. As a non-traditional student and a veteran, I needed more than just a place to take classes. I needed a place where I could grow, lead, and contribute right away. From the beginning, GovState gave me that opportunity. It felt like a place where my experiences were respected and where I could actually make a difference.
GovState Newsroom: Why did you choose your degree?
Jonathan: I’m graduating from Governors State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in History, along with minors in Pre-Law, Criminal Justice, and Global Studies. I chose this path because I’ve always wanted to understand how laws and systems impact real people. After my military service and a twelve-year break from school, I came back with a different mindset. This time, it was personal. I wasn’t just chasing a degree. I wanted to truly understand how things work so I could be part of making them better, especially for those who don’t always have a voice.
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Jonathan: My next step is continuing into the master’s in Political and Justice Studies program and working toward a Restorative Justice Certificate. But beyond that, my goal is simple. I want to keep serving. Whether that’s as an elected official or through volunteer work, I want to stay connected to my community and use what I’ve learned to make a real impact.
GovState Newsroom: What can you get at Governors State University that you couldn’t find anywhere else?
Jonathan: At GovState, you’re not just another student waiting for your turn. You’re given the chance to step up right away. I’ve been able to lead organizations, be part of student governance, and stay active in the community. That kind of access and trust is rare. People here open doors for you, but they also expect you to walk through them and do the work. That’s what makes the experience different.
GovState Newsroom: President Ester has said that GovState provides a sense of home. What makes GovState home for you?
Jonathan: When President Ester talks about GovState feeling like home, that resonates with me. For me, home means being around people who see you, support you, and want to see you succeed. At GovState, I’ve built real relationships with people who have pushed me to be better while also having my back. It’s a place where you can grow, be challenged, and still feel like you belong.
GovState Newsroom: What class(es) do you think students shouldn't miss taking and/or which professors should students seek out? Why?
Jonathan: If I had to point students in one direction, I would tell them not to miss Model Illinois Government and the American Model United Nations, especially with Andrew Schott.
Model Illinois Government gives you a real feel for how policy works at the state level. You are not just learning it; you are living it. You write bills, debate them, and work through the reality that not every idea moves forward the way you hope. That experience teaches resilience, communication, and how to stay engaged even when things get difficult.
Professor Schott creates an environment where you are challenged but supported. He expects you to show up prepared, think critically, and engage fully. Those expectations push you to grow, not just academically, but as a leader. In a time when politics can feel overwhelming or divided, these experiences remind you why engagement matters. They give young adults the tools, confidence, and sense of responsibility to step forward, speak up, and be part of something bigger than themselves.