About the Center

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We are a global hub for a strengths-based approach to change.

Our mission is to be the global hub for connecting people to learn, apply, and amplify Appreciative Inquiry. We seek to enable and expand strengths-based organizational growth by providing coursework and certification in Appreciative Inquiry and by connecting people and organizations with each other and with research and practice.

The David L. Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry is a Center of Experience at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. The Center was made possible through a generous gift from the Stiller Family Foundation in recognition of the impact of the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) philosophy on the success of the company Robert P. Stiller built, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, now Keurig Green Mountain.


The Stiller School of Business

The mission of the Robert P. Stiller School of Business is to develop the strengths, integrity, expertise, and entrepreneurial mindset of aspiring and innovative professionals with a goal of driving positive change in their lives, workplaces, communities, and the world.

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Offering Education

Looking to get started, or wanting to further develop your Appreciative Inquiry knowledge? We offer webinars, workshops, certifications, and graduate programs.

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Helping Organizations

Need help designing or facilitating your organizational-change initiative? Our network of skilled practitioners can help you apply AI and other positive development techniques to strategic planning, team-building and stakeholder engagement. Approaches range from one-on-one appreciative coaching sessions to system-wide summits.

Sharing Resources

Looking for inspiration or tools to add value to your practice? From articles from thought leaders to stories of successful approaches, we share the latest and greatest happenings in the world of strength-based change. New resource library coming soon! 

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Convening Community

Looking to network with other strengths-focused professionals? Want to share your story or hear others? We regularly gather the global community to connect with each other and with industry leaders. You can also connect with practitioners across the globe on our facebook group.

Our History

The David L. Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry opened in November 2014 in the Robert P. Stiller School of Business at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont.

The Cooperrider Center takes its name from Dr. David L. Cooperrider, the world-renowned thought leader on Appreciative Inquiry. Having worked closely with Robert Stiller to bring AI into Green Mountain Coffee Roasters in its early days, David was excited by the possibilities that the Stiller Family Foundation’s gift created not only for Champlain, but also for the entire global AI community. David chose to work with Champlain because of the College’s willingness to embrace the philosophies of AI and Positive Organizational Development. Additionally, Champlain College strives to establish itself as a global education leader on the forefront of AI research and development.

The Cooperrider Center was made possible through the transformational $10 million gift from Robert and Christine Stiller in 2012 to support programs in Appreciative Inquiry. The Cooperrider Center is one of a number of Centers of Excellence at Champlain College that offer a unique education model for students that combines hands-on learning and skill development working in collaboration with faculty, professional staff, other students and real-world clients seeking business or organizational solutions.

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Let’s Make a Positive Change Today!

Interested in learning more about AI? Want to help you or your organization grow in positive ways? Have research or real-world successes to share? 

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Get In Touch About Appreciative Inquiry

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