Dr. Michael E. Cooper became Brewster Academy's 11th head of school on July 1, 2003. He came to Brewster from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, where he was vice president for institutional advancement. He had spent much of his career at Clarkson, previously serving as vice president of student affairs and dean of students. He also has taught at Clarkson and lectured at St. Lawrence University. Prior to his work at Clarkson, he was associate dean of student life and director of housing at The State University of New York in Canton.
Cooper earned his Ph.D. in Child and Family Studies at Syracuse University and received his M. Ed. from St. Lawrence University and his B.A. from The State University of New York.
He and wife Andrea Cooper reside on campus in Lord House. Andrea is the yearbook advisor. The Cooper's have two grown children, both of whom are boarding school graduates. Daughter Allie Cooper is an assistant director of admission and the assistant coach of the girls' varsity ice hockey team at Brewster.