Jennifer Cooper

Jennifer Cooper serves as Associate Professor of Nursing and Chair of the Department of Nursing at Hood College, bringing 30 years of registered nursing experience with 16 years focused on community/public health and older adult care. She transitioned to nursing education in 2013, integrating her Washington D.C. policy advocacy experience for healthy aging programs into her academic practice. Her leadership extends to Hood Million Hearts (2018–present), a campus-community cardiovascular disease prevention initiative she directs.

Dr. Cooper earned her DNP from The George Washington University (2016), MSN from Rush University (2011), and BSN from Cedarville University (1995). Her educational journey reflects progressive specialization in public health nursing and policy.

Her research centers on chronic disease prevention in community settings, particularly cardiovascular health and aging populations. As Past-President of the Association of Public Health Nurses and national Million Hearts® Collaboration liaison, she bridges academic practice with community impact through faith-based networks and county health boards. Her work emphasizes practical interventions for hypertension control and health equity.

Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on public health nursing workforce development, Million Hearts® implementation, and community-academic partnerships. Key themes include hypertension management through faith-community collaborations, chronic care models for older adults, and policy advocacy for nursing practice standards.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Frederick County Touching Lives Award (2022)
• National Forum Heart Healthy Stroke Free Award (2020)
• GWU Nursing Distinguished Alumni Award (2020)
• Maryland Academic Nurse Educator Certification (2019)
• Maryland Nursing Educator Doctoral Grant (2017)
• AACN-CDC Academic Practice Partnership (2015-2016)

Dr. Cooper directs Hood Million Hearts® as principal investigator, securing grants through Maryland Higher Education Commission and CDC partnerships. Her Hood College Summer Research Institutes (2018, 2021) translate community health assessments into action. She advises future health professionals through curriculum development emphasizing policy engagement and community-based practice.

She leads multidisciplinary teams including the Hood Million Hearts® coalition involving Frederick County health departments, faith communities, and student volunteers. As Nurse Liaison on Frederick County Board of Health and Maryland Nurses Association Board Member, she shapes regional health policy while directing campus-wide cardiovascular prevention initiatives.