S.C. State board reinstates George Cooper as president

In a board meeting this morning, the S.C. State University board of trustees voted to reinstate George Cooper as president, reversing its June 15 decision not to renew his contract.

GSA Daily Staff Report
Published July 1, 2010

In a board meeting this morning, the S.C. State University board of trustees voted to reinstate George Cooper as president, reversing its June 15 decision not to renew his contract.

The university had announced on Tuesday that Greenville attorney Merl Code would serve as interim president. Today the board revoked that action.

The change in course was related to two new board members who took their seats today, according to a statement from the university.

The statement said: “On June 15, 2010, members of the Board of Trustees voted 7 to 4 not to renew Cooper’s contract. However, with today’s arrival of two new board members, Anderson attorney Robert L. Waldrep Jr. and alumna Patricia Lott, the board’s previous decision of removing Cooper was reversed by a 8 to 5 vote, and the appointment of Judge Merl Code as interim president was revoked.”

Previous coverage
Greenville attorney to lead SC State
S.C. State drops president’s contract

Board chairman Jonathan Pinson could not immediately be reached for comment.

Cooper’s contract was set to end June 30. He will continue as president, effective immediately, the school said.

Cooper took over as S.C. State’s 10th president in 2008 with a unanimous vote of the board, replacing Andrew Hugine, who was fired in December 2007 before his contract ended. Hugine filed a lawsuit over his firing and eventually settled out of court.

“I would like to thank Chairman Pinson and the members of the S.C. State University Board of Trustees who recently took a vote of confidence which allows me to continue as president of this great university,” Cooper said in a statement. “As president, I do not take this vote lightly as we reaffirm our mission as a land-grant university and meet our highest goal, the educational needs of our students who choose to attend S.C. State University.”