Dr. Emily Hopper serves as the Associate Dean of Graduate Initial Programs at University of the Cumberlands, where she provides leadership and oversight for the University's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) portfolio of graduate programs leading to initial teacher licensure. In this role, Dr. Hopper supports the administration, coordination, and continuous improvement of graduate initial preparation programs and collaborates with faculty, staff, and University leadership to promote program quality, regulatory compliance, and student success.
Prior to assuming her current role, Dr. Hopper served as the University's Director of Institutional Research. Her experience in institutional research informs her approach to academic leadership, particularly in leveraging data to support strategic planning, accreditation and compliance reporting, program evaluation, and continuous improvement. She also brings expertise in business process analysis and optimization, using data and technology to improve operational efficiency, strengthen decision-making, and advance the strategic priorities of the School of Education.