Motlow State will officially rename the old McMinnville campus building after the late Senator Jerry W. Cooper.
Cooper was a native of Warren County. Motlow State Community Outreach Director Larry Flatt said without Cooper, the school would not be where it is today.
“He was able to raise an excess of $18 million to fund buildings and infrastructure for Motlow,” Flatt said. “He actually was the driving force for the original McMinnville Motlow Facility.”
Flatt said Cooper was also an advocate for the community, as he was instrumental in obtaining funds for the four-lane highway from I-24 to McMinnville. Flatt said renaming the building keeps Cooper’s legacy alive.
“As we have reflected on his great amount of contribution, his being a champion for the people and being a champion for Motlow College, we are all excited that we have the opportunity to now recognize him and honor him and provide a lasting legacy of his name and the people that he touched in the Warren, White, DeKalb, Van Buren, Coffee County region,” Flatt said.
Cooper passed away in March 2020. Flatt said the college will place a bronze plaque inside the building. The ceremony will take place Friday at 11am.
