Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas A. Cooper is the Director of Staff and Professor of Aerospace Studies at Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 880 at Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Air University, AETC, Lexington, Virginia. In this role, he oversees curriculum development for 250 VMI cadets, ensures recruiting and accessions standards are kept, instructs, and influences highly qualified prospective Air Force Officers.

Lieutenant Colonel Cooper entered the U.S. Air Force in May 2009 after commissioning from the Virginia Military Institute and has served fourteen years on active duty. Prior to his current position, he served as the Branch Chief for Strategic Planning and Engagement, J6 Communications Directorate, United States Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.