Lincoln University Honors the Cooper Family as 2026 Family of the Year

Lincoln University is proud to announce that the Cooper family will be recognized as the 2026 Family of the Year, an honor that celebrates their extraordinary dedication to the university and its mission. Known for their commitment to service, leadership and lifelong engagement, the Coopers exemplify the values that make Lincoln University a beacon of academic excellence and community impact.

The Cooper family’s connection to Lincoln University spans decades and encompasses academic achievement, student leadership, campus employment and continued alumni engagement. Together, their contributions highlight the ways family ties strengthen the university community and support its mission of access, excellence and service.

The Cooper Family’s Lincoln University Legacy:

Eric Cooper

Eric Cooper ’10, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (Alpha Psi Chapter), worked in the Office of Admissions and was the 2008-09 Mr. Lincoln University. As an alumnus, Cooper has remained deeply engaged with the university, playing an instrumental role in planning the Alumni Honors Gala, an annual event that supports student scholarships. The 2023 gala welcomed more than 330 attendees and raised more than $25,000 for student scholarships. Cooper is also a co-founder of the Young Alumni Scholarship Fund and was recognized in 2023 as a St. Louis 40 Under 40 award recipient.

Brandy Cooper

Brandy Cooper ’13 earned a Bachelor of Liberal Studies and was a member of the Lincoln University Marching Musical Storm. She passed away in 2016 and is fondly remembered by her family and the campus community for her deep love and strong support of Lincoln University.

Brandon Jackson

Brandon Jackson ’15 supported campus operations as a student employee in the Lincoln University Information Technology Department from 2013-15. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree, he continued working with the university as a help-desk technician from 2015 to 2016. Jackson later served as a support technician from 2016 to 2018 and as a telecom systems administrator from 2018 to 2021.

Brittany Cooper

Brittany Cooper ’16 earned a Bachelor of Liberal Studies and remains an active alumna, continuing the family’s tradition of engagement with Lincoln University through ongoing support and involvement.

Jada Cooper-Jones

Jada Cooper-Jones ’19, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (Alpha Iota Chapter), served as a Lincoln University ROAR Agent. She was also a member of the Lincoln University Principles of Worship Gospel Choir, serving as president from 2017 to 2018. Her husband, Aaron Jones ’16, is also a Lincoln University alumnus.

Aaron Jones

Derek Cooper

Derek Cooper ’22, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. (Eta Sigma Chapter), held multiple leadership roles, including student ambassador, resident advisor and board member of the Campus Activity Board.

Tydus Saunders

Tydus Saunders is a current senior and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. (Eta Sigma Chapter). His campus involvement includes serving as a Campus Activity Board intern from 2022 to 2023, a residential assistant in spring 2023, a student ambassador from 2022 to 2025 and LU National Pan-Hellenic Council chaplain from 2024 to 2025.

Ja'Leisha Cooper

Ja’Leisha Cooper is a current senior who served on the Royal Court as the 2024-25 Miss Senior. Her involvement includes membership in the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (Poise Chapter), service as a student ambassador from 2021 to 2025, participation as a ROAR Agent and recognition as a Dean’s List scholar.

Through their shared experiences as students, alumni and campus leaders, the Cooper family exemplifies the values of service, leadership and lifelong connection that define Lincoln University. Their recognition as the 2026 Family of the Year celebrates not only individual accomplishments but also the collective impact of a family deeply rooted in the Lincoln legacy.

The Cooper family will be formally recognized at the 2026 Founders’ Day Convocation on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Robert and Charlene Mitchell Auditorium, Richardson Fine Arts Center, honoring their lasting contributions to the university.