Family...: Vital to Us and Society

Betty F. Cooper completed a BS and an MA in home economics and a PhD in psychology. She taught home economics (twenty-four years), directed an Adlerian Family Education Center, taught courses there and at an area university, while completing graduate studies (ten years), then taught psychology and sociology (twenty-seven years). One objective remaining constant even in her work today is to strengthen and support individuals and families. Awards: home economics (inducted into honorary society (1956), silver compote from teachers’ association, (1978), school district, a diamond and gold necklace, (1983), Southeast State University Outstanding Alumna Award, 1987 Who’s Who Listings, 1988, 1998, 2000, 2004 People First, 2005 National Council of State Sociological Associations, 2005 Missouri Sociological Association Service Award, 2014 Betty F. Cooper completed two research studies and obtained needed strategic understandings: (1) evaluated high school home economics programs (master’s thesis) creating needed curriculum changes and (2) searching the meaning of work provided a surety about the need for a positive socialization process and the needed relational experiences to create a sense of belonging. Peace studies is her avocation of consistent and passionate work to promote a culture of peace in our society and worldwide and create programs to help create a better world for everyone. Since 2008, she has campaigned to establish a department of peacebuilding; facilitated ongoing study groups for parenting education, peace, nonviolent communication, and spirituality; developed a peace studies certificate program for a university (2017). Her lifelong work has been inside three vital institutions: family, church/spirituality, and school. Her husband of sixty-two years supported, encouraged, and assisted her in all activities until his death in 2018.