The University of the Virgin Islands mourns the passing of Dr. George Cooper, executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who passed away on Sunday, July 19.
“Dr. Cooper’s passing is a great loss to the HBCU community,” said UVI President David Hall. “Not only was he an experienced president, but was chosen by President Obama to bring even greater visibility and support to HBCUs.”
Dr. Hall continued, “He was very generous with his time and came to UVI as our guest speaker during UVI Pride Week this past March. He met with numerous campus leaders and Governor Mapp. I will miss his counsel, advocacy and love for HBCUs.”
Dr. George Cooper speakes with Trudi Golphin, director of Residence LIfe and Linda Smith, director of Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs at a Pride Week event. |
On behalf of UVI, Dr. Hall offered heartfelt condolences to his wife Diane, family and friends during this difficulty time.
A native of Tallahassee, FL, Cooper studied at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. He continued his education at Tuskegee University and received his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Urbana.
Cooper served on the faculty at several universities including Alabama A&M University, Tuskegee University and as President of South Carolina State University.