Hear from educators, counselors, and parents who have experienced Deborah’s practical guidance, engaging presentations, and thoughtful approach to preparing students for college success.
Deborah provided an engaging and informative evening for our high school parents, sharing practical advice from her book, The Complete U. Parents asked lots of great questions throughout the presentation, and Deborah answered each one with warmth, humor, and helpful, real-world guidance.
The 100 lessons in her book, inspired by years of experience as a sociologist and working with college students, offer practical tips that help students succeed both in and out of the classroom. Our families left feeling more confident and better prepared for the college journey ahead.
Holly McCormick, Executive Director
Shaker Schools Foundation
Shaker Heights, Ohio
Listening to Deb Cohan’s talk “College Bound – Supporting Your Student’s Success” at Shaker Heights High School really allowed the audience of parents and caregivers to better understand how to support their college-bound student as they begin their new academic journey. She shared stories, advice, and anecdotes as well as important information from her new book ‘The Complete U: Over 100 Lessons for Success in and out of the College Classroom.’ She provided comic relief, empathy and understanding, and very relevant scenarios and recommendations on how to launch your student into college successfully. She was totally engaged with the audience and answered questions for almost an hour after her talk. Everyone left more confident and informed!
Christine Wolken
Shaker Heights High School PTO, VP of Educational Enrichment
Shaker Heights, Ohio
Dr. Cohan's book The Complete U: Over 100 Lessons for Success in and out of the College Classroom is a great primer for discussion with college-bound students. As a college counselor, I found her tips to be intuitive, frank, and applicable. We used her text with graduating seniors who were grateful to have the time and space to consider what it means to be successful once you get to campus. Furthermore, Deb brings humor, wisdom, and a long career as an educator to the table when offering a book talk. Her anecdotes are approachable and helped to alleviate some of the anxiety parents have as they prepare to send their children off to college. Deb is a great resource for any college counseling office!
Andrew Cruse
Director of College Guidance
Laurel School
Shaker Heights, Ohio
Deb Cohan has a remarkable ability to connect with both students and parents, meeting each audience exactly where they are. Her presentations were engaging, insightful, and filled with practical advice that extends well beyond the college classroom. She brings the perspective of an experienced professor together with warmth, humor, and a genuine understanding of the challenges young people face as they prepare for college and independence. Both our students and parents walked away with valuable insights and a greater sense of confidence about what lies ahead.
Shana Wallenstein
President, Beachwood Schools Foundation
Beachwood, Ohio
Dr. Deborah J. Cohan connects with students and families through her warmth, honesty, and relatable stories. She celebrates every student’s journey to and through higher education, highlighting how college can help students find their voice, discover their passions, and grow into their authentic selves. Her book, The Complete U, offers the same empowering guidance to help students thrive in college and beyond.
We thoroughly enjoyed having Dr. Cohan as part of our Cleveland Goes to College Day. Her warmth, authenticity, and ability to connect with students, parents, administrators, and others navigating the college journey made her a wonderful addition to our program. She meets people where they are, shares relatable and meaningful insights, and makes the college journey feel approachable and empowering. We would highly recommend Dr. Cohan to any organization looking to support and inspire students and families as they navigate the path to and through higher education.
Maggie McGrath
Chief Administrative Officer, Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship and the Cleveland Goes to College Team
Cleveland, Ohio