South Carolina State President Ousted After Two Years at Helm

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – The board of South Carolina State University has fired the president of the historically Black college after just two years at the helm.

WIS-TV reported the board voted 7-4 Tuesday to fire George Cooper, a former deputy administrator with the U.S. Agriculture Department. Cooper was hired in July 2008.

Cooper told the TV station after the meeting that he didn’t know what led to his firing. His lawyer said he is considering legal action.

Cooper’s contract ends June 30. The college’s senior vice president John E. Smalls was chosen to handle day-to-day operations until an interim president is appointed.

Board chairman Jonathan Pinson voted against the firing and said two of the board members who voted to fire Cooper will leave the board July 1.