Institute for Families in Society

(MHA, Health Administration, University of South Carolina)
Stewart Cooner is Administrative Director of the Institute for Families in Society, Integrated Health and Policy Research (IHPR) Division, at the University of South Carolina. He joined the IHPR team in September 2022. Mr. Cooner earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and a Master of Health Administration from the University of South Carolina (1993 and 1999, respectively). He is also a graduate of the South Carolina Executive Institute (2007) affiliated with the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

With more than 29 years of experience, he offers a comprehensive array of knowledgeable guidance across the planning, operations, and financial services continuum. His previous work includes collaborations with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; National Research Institute; National Institutes of Health; Medical University of South Carolina; University of South Carolina, School of Medicine; South Carolina General Assembly; The Duke Endowment; National Fallen Firefighters Foundation; PCORI; Alzheimer’s Association-South Carolina Chapter; Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina; South Carolina Telehealth Alliance; South Carolina Mental Health State Planning Council; and several non-profit organizations.

Mr. Cooner is a community advocate for both the involvement of parents in K-12 academic achievement and the assurance of services for vulnerable populations. He has served, and currently serves, on multiple boards and committees focusing on activities that support his belief that “Every child deserves a future filled with opportunities and possibilities. Every child deserves a future filled with hope.”