McLaughlin Named Cooper Union President

Key Takeaways:

• Steven W. McLaughlin named president of The Cooper Union, effective July 1.
• Nearly 30 years of leadership experience at Georgia Tech.
• Co-founder of CREATE-X, fostering student entrepreneurship.
• Recipient of prestigious international awards and honors.
• Praised by academic leaders for transformative impact and vision.

A New Chapter Begins at The Cooper Union

Steven W. McLaughlin’s Appointment Marks a Significant Milestone

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has announced the appointment of Steven W. McLaughlin as its 14th president, effective July 1. McLaughlin, who currently serves as provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Georgia Tech, brings with him nearly 30 years of experience in academic leadership and innovation.

Distinguished Career at Georgia Tech

During his tenure at Georgia Tech, McLaughlin has held numerous pivotal roles both in administration and the classroom. Since 2020, he has served as provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, providing leadership to 29 schools and seven colleges. In this capacity, he oversaw the launch of Georgia Tech’s College of Lifetime Learning in 2024, a significant initiative aimed at expanding educational opportunities.

Championing Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In 2014, McLaughlin co-founded CREATE-X, a campus-wide effort dedicated to instilling entrepreneurial confidence in students and assisting them in launching their own companies. The program has since successfully launched 200 student-led companies and engaged over 4,000 students. His commitment to fostering innovation has left a lasting impact on the university community.

Accolades and Contributions

McLaughlin’s contributions to science and education have been recognized internationally. In 2011, he was awarded the Chevalier dans l’Ordre National du Mérite (Knight of the French National Order of Merit), the second-highest civilian honor bestowed by the Republic of France. He was also the first Georgia Tech recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. A Fellow of the IEEE and a past president of the IEEE Information Theory Society, his research group has published over 250 papers and holds 36 U.S. patents in areas such as wireless communications and data security.

Endorsements from Academic Leaders

“Steve has been an important colleague and a dear friend, and his leadership has made a lasting impact on Georgia Tech,” said President Ángel Cabrera. “He has been a steadfast advocate for academic excellence and student success, always pushing us to be better and do more.”

Jamie Levitt, interim board chair and co-chair of Cooper’s presidential search committee, expressed confidence in McLaughlin’s appointment: “As higher education continues to change at an accelerated pace, we have identified an educator and proven leader who is known for his transformative impact and high degree of emotional intelligence.”

Embracing The Cooper Union’s Vision

With enthusiasm for his new role, McLaughlin stated, “With all that is happening in higher education today, the vision of Peter Cooper is as relevant as ever. The Cooper Union is the right place at the right time, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Looking Ahead

As McLaughlin prepares to take the helm at The Cooper Union, the institution anticipates a future built on innovation, excellence, and a continued commitment to transforming lives through education. His extensive experience and dynamic leadership style are expected to usher in a new era for the esteemed college, which houses internationally renowned schools of architecture, art, and engineering.