Doctor of Philosophy
Communication and Culture
Howard University
Master of Education
Curriculum and Instruction
Howard University
Bachelor of Science
Speech Communication
Syracuse University
Certificate
Engagement Coaching
If you take one of April Copes’ communications classes, you’ll probably find yourself saying four things: you had fun, you learned a lot about yourself, you made strong connections with your classmates and you’ll use what you learned throughout your life.
Copes, who started teaching at AACC in 2012, feels it’s her primary job as a professor to facilitate students’ abilities to use communication to create more fulfilling personal and professional relationships. She enjoys engaging students in self-reflection about how and why they communicate the way they do, what they believe about themselves and others, and how they developed those beliefs.
“What inspires me most about AACC students is that they exhibit qualities of being that are making the world a better place for all of us: compassion, empathy, generosity, joy, kindness – for themselves and for others, and a commitment to a just world,” she said.
Copes is very involved in the college community, helping organize events for the Communications department, Black History Month and Women’s History Month.
In her spare time, Copes said she enjoys being in nature, whether that means reading on the beach, walking in the woods, riding her bike or sitting on the deck.
“Most of all, I love how easy it is to forget everything but the present moment while dancing, playing tennis and having fun with friends and family.”