TMCF Celebrates the Life of Dr. George Cooper and His Service to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

July 22, 2019

Washington, DC (July 26, 2015) – The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) joins the nation’s 101 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to honor and remember Dr. George Cooper as he is laid to rest on Monday.

An alumnus of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Dr. Cooper was a leader and advocate for quality education. He dedicated most of his career to the over 300,000 students attending TMCF’s member- schools, the nation’s 47 publicly-supported HBCUs.

Dr. Cooper’s career within the HBCU community included most recently serving as Executive Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs. His rich career included a stint as Senior Fellow with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and a four year presidency of South Carolina State University. He also held numerous faculty and administrative roles at Alabama A&M University and Tuskegee University.

“As we celebrate Dr. Cooper’s life, may our hearts be filled with happy memories of his journey, his legacy, and the tens of thousands of students that he touched through his dedication to HBCUs and higher education,” said Johnny C. Taylor, President & CEO. “On behalf of the entire TMCF family, we send our thoughts and prayers to his wife Diane, their daughters and the entire Cooper family during this most difficult time. “

Related News

TM² Executive Search team member spoke at a national culture conference

A team member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) executive search firm, TM² Executive Search (TM²), served as a panelist recently at a national culture conference.  Dr. Will Anyu, associate principal and search consultant at TM², represented the firm at the Hunt Scanlon Culture Awards Forum at the Harvard Club of New York City.  […]

Thurgood Marshall College Fund scholar continues his studies after receiving a hardship scholarship

A Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) scholar continued his studies at TMCF member school Howard University (Howard) thanks to a hardship scholarship.  Mason Bilgen, a civil engineering major at Howard, said the TMCF | JPMorgan Chase Hardship Scholarship was critical to his education.  “Receiving this scholarship has truly been a blessing and allowed me to […]

Thurgood Marshall College Fund named a top workplace by the Washington Post

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) joined an elite group of organizations after it was recently named as one of the 2025 Washington Top Workplaces by the Washington Post. Top workplace awards are based on employee feedback gathered through an employee survey, creating a credible and authentic recognition program for employers.  “We strive to hire […]