South Carolina State University President to
Lead Council of 1890 Universities and Join Board of Directors at
Association of Public and Land-grant Universities

November 19, 2010 -- South Carolina State University President George C. Cooper has been appointed chair of the Council of 1890 Universities and a member of the board of directors of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (A۰P۰L۰U).

The Council of 1890 Universities, comprised of presidents and chancellors of A۰P۰L۰U-member historically Black land-grant universities, primarily addresses all matters pertaining to strengthening teaching, research and extension programs at these important institutions. The purpose of the Council is to represent collectively the interests of 1890 land-grant institutions while seeking to maintain, ensure and increase funding; to present a unified approach for presentation of views regarding these institutions; and to serve as a forum to share ideas and resources. 

Cooper participated in the ceremonial “passing of the gavel” during the Council of 1890 Universities Fall Business Meeting held in Dallas, TX on November 13, 2010.  He replaces Hazo W. Carter, Jr., president of West Virginia State University, who has served as Council chair for the past three years.  Cooper’s three-year term is effective through November 2013. 

Cooper has served as president of South Carolina State University since July 2008. Previously he served for many years as a career employee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including seven years as deputy administrator. 

Lorenzo Esters, A۰P۰L۰U vice president and liaison to the Council of 1890 Universities said: “George Cooper is a visionary and energetic leader with a wealth of knowledge about the mission and importance of land-grant universities.  I look forward to working with him as together we meet the challenge of fulfilling the bold, relevant and unique mission of the 1890 universities—to reach the unreached and serve the underserved.” 

about the association of public and land-grant universities (A۰P۰L۰U)
Founded in 1887, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (A۰P۰L۰U) is a research and advocacy organization of public research universities, land-grant institutions, and state university systems. As the nation’s oldest higher education association, A۰P۰L۰U is dedicated to excellence in learning, discovery and engagement. Member campuses enroll more than 3.6 million undergraduate and 1.1 million graduate students, employ more than 670,000 faculty and administrators, and conduct nearly two-thirds of all university-based research, totaling more than $34 billion annually. For more information, visit www.aplu.org.

Photo Caption:  Lorenzo Esters, A۰P۰L۰U Vice President, Access & the Advancement of Public Black Universities, and Mary E. Sias, president of Kentucky State University and chair of the A۰P۰L۰U Board of Directors, present the Council of 1890 Universities gavel to new chair George C. Cooper, president of South Carolina State University.