Carol Cochran, M.A.
Director, Alfie Scholars at Seattle University
Carol Cochran is a proud first-generation college graduate and has worked in higher education since her senior year of college when she was selected for an internship in the Office of Admission at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU). Wanting to empower other first-generation BIPOC students, after graduation, she began her career as an admission counselor, where she served on the committee to help develop the PLU Honors Program and chaired the Rieke Scholarship Program. Three years later, she joined the staff of Seattle University School of Law as the Assistant Director of Admission. She became the Director of Admission in 1999 and was appointed Assistant Dean in 2005. Committed to issues of access and inclusion in higher education during her career, Ms. Cochran was an advisor to the Black Law Student Association, advocated for new scholarship programs, and led efforts for the law school’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program to support veterans. She was also part of the team to help steward one of the largest gifts ever given to the law school, supporting scholarships for the Access Admission Program. Carol served as a member of the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) Diversity Affairs Committee, the Prelaw Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Programs subcommittee, and its Annual Meeting and Educational Conference Planning Work Group. Ms. Cochran has presented nationally at numerous information panels at the Admissions Forums, LSAC Annual Meetings and Educational Conferences, Western Regional Black Law Association Conferences, and the Pacific Coast Association of Prelaw Advisors Conferences. During her time at the Law School, she received the Outstanding Staff Member Award, the Student Bar Association Outstanding Administrator Award, and the Dean’s Medal.
Originally a consultant to the Alfie Scholar Program, Carol was honored to be appointed its first program director. In her role, she is involved in the development, strategic planning, management and implementation of student support, engagement, and retention programs. A transfer-student advocate and member of Seattle University’s Transfer Student Task Force, she works closely with campus partners to help raise awareness of transfer-student issues and remove barriers to student success. Carol’s work with transfer students has been recognized by two honor societies: Tau Sigma, the national honor society for transfer students, and Alpha Sigma Nu, the honor society of Jesuit universities, which recognizes students who “distinguish themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service.” She served as a committee member and interim co-chair of Goal 1 of the LIFT SU strategic initiative relating to recruiting and retaining BIPOC students. She also received the Sankofa Award from the SU Mosaic Center (formerly the Office of Multicultural Affairs). This award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has made a positive impact on graduating students’ lives and on multicultural advocacy at Seattle University.
Carol earned her M.A. in non-profit leadership at Seattle University. She has been active in the broader community, serving on the Board of Tacoma and Seattle Math, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) and the Board of the Future of the Law Institute, as well as volunteering with 501 Commons. She continues to support students and families in the community in their college and scholarship application process and assists schools and scholarship programs in their candidate review process.
