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<.~ v • "\"'i~ r-~ ."'-+"". ' ,,, .,. ~\!,.,, • I '-..:'>· l I '·. ~ ,_, ) bined With The t'rogress nerald} LONGTIME ECJC TRUSTEE

By Glenda Watson Success has many gateways but they are not always opened. A. T. Cooper, distinguished senior citizen of Morton, found his and has helped others to find theirs. A man of 'imp.eccable character, Mr: Cooper has served .on : the -Board of Trustees at East Central Junior College in Decatur since 1931. Formerly a trustee of the agricultural high school at Harperville, he found his new task of board member at Decatur when the ,agricultural school was moved there. . The school farm, ·mairitained by students, housed a sub– stantial number of livestock. Later the farm was termed "unnecessary," and the livestock were sold-. ·· 1'he pastures were rented. In the meantime East Central Junior College was in its beginning and A. T. Cooper was right there! Since then he has witnessed steady and rapid progress concerning the growth of East Central. Today the college stands as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in 11 the state. When asked what was one of the biggest factors in making decisions for the college, he replied, "I suppose it would be the fact that we had to keep EC growing with just a little money." Cer.tainly promotion of the 1 institution is vital. Mr. Cooper has always been ECJC's "Number one booster." He loves to tell of all the changes at EC. He has seen many plans come to fruition. These include the Fine Arts Center, the Library, and the Vocational– Technical Department.

, It is certain that it takes dedication to East Central and especially to its students. Alot of his success goes back to liking people, "I love being around people," he said. "I enjoy them very much." Mr. Cooper was born in the Springfield community near Morton and later moved to Pulaski where he finished high school. He then attended Mississippi College. He moved to Morton in 1909 when he married Lottie Windham. A person of well-rounded interests, his main hobby is fishing . He is also a devout \ reader. He spends a part of each day in devotion, one of the things which he credits with his success. The other, he says, is his wife. Last year, they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. The successful . former businessman has not spent all of his time in sessions with college presidents. He is a 32nd Mason, a Shriner, a charter member of the Morton Lions Club, and a charter member of the Eastern Star. He served as director of the Morton band and led many 'charity drives. He was mayor of Morton for three two-year terms, during the period 193~1940. He is a deacon at the First Baptist Church having served as superintendent of the Sunday -· ---~

His retirement from his position on the board at ECJC, concludes an unusually long tenure of dedicated service. During this time, A. T. Cooper thought not of himself. Rather he chose to think in terms of the promise and hope of the youth in its effort to develop to its fullest potential. A. T. Cooper didn't sit on the sidelines and watch. He spent years making decisions which would make ECJC a place which might best develop these fine minds, and the dreams they carried. The influence of this man has been felt by many, especially at ECJC. It will continue to be felt, as students take ad~ vantage of the opportunities in an institution which has evolved, in part, because A. T. Cooper was a man of vision and preserverance. Among junior colleges in the state, ECJC is recognized as a leader. A. T. Cooper helped make it that way.

A. T. COOPER

School, and teacher of the men's Bible class. Until he retired he was probably the oldest college board member in Mississippi. Epitomizing dignity, he is a man with a benevolent heart. Mr. Cooper has always given himself to his duties wholeheartedly. People have always enjoyed being around A. T. Cooper. He is optimistic and pleasant to talk with. He is a treasurehouse of memories and makes those younger than he feel they had lived them, too.