Remembering Associate Professor Emeritus Dr. Richard Cooter (J.D.,Psy.D)

The GW Forensic Psychology Program community deeply mourns the loss of Dr. Richard Cooter, who was instrumental in creating the Forensic Psychology Program at GW and served as Program Director from 2012-2022.  He passed away at home on August 31, 2023.  Dr. Cooter is survived by his wife Megan Evans.  

Dr. Cooter was inducted into GW's Society of the Emeriti for his long and distinguished service to the University after his retirement in June 2022, following more than 10 years of successful leadership of the Forensic Psychology Program at GW.  He was instrumental in leading the effort to establish and build the program in 2012.  Dr. Cooter worked tirelessly toward offering a quality academic experience for all students and deeply cared about them. His leadership, dedication and immeasurable contributions will be remembered by everyone in the program and the broader GW community.  His dedication to our program and our students will always be cherished.  

Dr. Cooter received his J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1975 and practiced law before pursuing training in clinical psychology. He received his Psy.D. from The George Washington University in 2004.  He was licensed to practice law in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland and was a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Virginia.  In his professional practice, he performed evaluations for the courts and regularly represented individuals in involuntary commitment proceedings.  He dedicated his career to teaching forensic psychology from 2007 until his retirement.  To those who knew him well, he will always be remembered for his passion, loyalty and resilience.