Joe R. Cooper

BBA '79 (Accounting), MBA '82, Sigma Phi Epsilon

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Joe Cooper graduated from Stetson University with a BBA degree in 1979 (Accounting major). He also earned an MBA degree from Stetson in 1982. Joe was introduced to Stetson by his father, Fred Cooper, who served as the University’s Director of Public Relations and Sports Information Director in the 70’s and 80’s. Joe’s Stetson degrees helped him enjoy a rewarding career in public accounting and corporate finance and strategy. Cooper’s career included leadership roles with Big Lots, Inc. from 2000-2014, including his last role as the President of Big Lots Canada. Before his appointment in Canada, he served as the Executive Vice President and CFO of Big Lots, Inc. Joe’s career also included positions with Essex Technology Group, The Limited, Inc. and KPMG Peat Marwick.

In April 2016, Cooper was inducted as a member of the inaugural class into the Stetson University Accounting Hall of Fame. He served on Stetson’s Business School Board of Advisors and was elected to the Board of Trustees in May 2011.  Cooper served as Chair of the Board of Trustees from 2017-2020.  He also served as Chair of the Presidential Search Committee in 2020.  The search resulted in Dr. Chris Roellke being named the tenth President of Stetson University.

Joe is retired and resides in Hendersonville, NC with his wife, Cindi Tidwell Cooper (BBA ’82), who he met at Stetson. They have four grown children and two grandchildren.