George Cooper, FAMU alumnus and director of the White Initiative on HBCUs, dies

FAMU alumnus George Cooper, executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, passed away on Sunday. The cause of his death has not been released to the public.

U.S. President Barack Obama appointed Cooper to the position in 2013. He expressed his condolences on behalf of himself and First Lady Michelle Obama in public statement yesterday.

“George’s passing is a great loss for my Administration, the HBCU and higher education communities and for everyone that knew him,” the president said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Diana, family and friends during this difficult time.”

Before being chosen to head the White Initiative on HBCUs, was a senior fellow with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), where he reviewed key federal legislation important to HBCUs. Previously, Cooper served for four years (2008-2012) as the 10th president of South Carolina State University (SCSU).

Prior to his HBCU service, Cooper spent 17 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (formerly the Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service). He served five years (1985-1990) at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) as vice president for academic affairs and professor, Department of Animal Science, and executive assistant to the president. Cooper served as dean of the School of Applied Sciences and associate professor, Department of Animal Science at Tuskegee University.

Cooper received his B.S. degree in Animal Husbandry from Florida A&M University, his M.S. degree in Animal Science from Tuskegee University, and his Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from the University of Illinois – Urbana.

On August 1, 2014, Cooper was the keynote speaker for the summer commencement ceremonies at FAMU.