Director of Development

College of Education Director of Development John Cougher has worked for various nonprofits in development, financial and leadership roles. Immediately prior to joining the College, he served as development director at HeartLine, a nonprofit that provides central Oklahoma residents with vital information and social services. 

"Growing up in a family of teachers, I knew early on about the importance of education to the individual and to society," Cougher noted.  "Already in meeting the faculty and staff within the College of Education I have been deeply impressed by their vision and dedication to improving the world through education.  The breadth of the curriculum is truly astounding.  I am thrilled to be serving the College of Education as Development Director and am excited by the opportunity to help connect former students with the vision and growth happening in the College today."

A native of Lawrence, Kan., Cougher graduated from the University of Kansas, earning a bachelor's degree in Germanic languages. He also spent two years studying languages at the University of Bonn in Germany and has begun work in OU's public administration master's degree program in the fall.

"John Cougher brings to the University of Oklahoma family good judgment, sincerity, and loyalty to the institution, University Vice President for Development, Tripp Hall, said.  "I am excited about having him as a member of our development operations and know that he will be an asset to the College and to our University as a whole."

Cougher pointed out he comes to the College at a time that a number of development "irons are already in the fire" - a capital campaign for a new addition to Collings Hall; funding for the College's Counseling Clinic's new home and technology upgrades; a number of unendowed scholarship funds; and, of course, the ever-present need for more scholarships.  

"I am grateful that I get to come on board at a time of such growth," he said.  "The College's faculty, staff and leadership are all extremely impressive and I'm looking forward to doing my part for the next generation of teachers, counselors and educational leaders."

He and his wife, Sarah and their daughter, Sadie, who was born just three weeks after the Coughers moved to Norman last year from Los Angeles, where they lived for six years