Interdisciplinary studies program prepares future priest

Raised Jewish, Daniel Cooper became a Baptist associate pastor before converting to Catholicism in 2017 after a decade-long spiritual search.

He then returned to college, enrolling in Newman University’s online interdisciplinary studies program to finish his undergraduate degree. A virtual meeting with Teresa Wilkerson, director of Adult and Professional Studies, convinced Cooper that Newman was the right fit.

“Teresa went over and above anything I would’ve expected from any kind of college admissions team I had experienced,” Cooper said.

Newman’s flexible online program allowed Cooper complete his degree while working full time, with a focus on two areas of his choosing: religion and communication.

“I was working between 50- to 80-hour weeks at a bank, so it was a godsend,” he said. “The religion aspect was crucial, but I also wanted to sharpen my communication skills for preaching and being the best communicator I could be.”

Although Cooper has yet to set foot on Newman University’s campus in Wichita, he said his experience as an online student left a lasting impact.

Cooper graduated from Newman in May 2020 and entered seminary in August, prompted by what he describes as a divine sign. During his 3 a.m. Adoration hour, he asked God for clarity: “If this is what you want, send someone I can’t say no to.”

Moments later, the woman for the 4 a.m. slot arrived, stopped Cooper in the stairwell and asked, “Have you thought about being a priest?”

“I just thought, ‘Okay, God, we’re doing this,’” he said. “That decision brought the most peace I’ve ever felt about anything.”

Cooper will be ordained a transitional deacon in November, making him one step closer to the priesthood. He credits “every person in the fabric of Newman” for helping him answer his vocational calling.

“Newman taught me to work with people of all different walks of life, listen to differences and bring people learned and for the faith people put in me to keep me moving forward.”