Jordan Cooper, director of Cross-Cultural Connections, is a recipient of the 2026 Emerging Leader Distinguished Honors Award, a university-wide recognition honoring staff members who inspire others and positively influence the WashU community through leadership, collaboration and growth-minded practice.
The annual Emerging Leader Distinguished Honors Award, presented by WashU’s Office of Human Resources, recognizes professional staff who listen actively, empower colleagues, demonstrate adaptability, and use their leadership capabilities to strengthen the university and the St. Louis region. Award recipients are selected by a committee representing WashU Medicine and the Danforth Campus.
As a 2026 Distinguished Honors Award recipient, Cooper will be formally recognized at the university’s annual Staff Awards Celebration on May 20 at Emerson Auditorium. The event celebrates staff excellence across the university and highlights the vital role employees play in advancing WashU’s mission.