South Carolina State University trustees selected Greenville attorney Merl Code as the school’s interim president after the recent firing of current President George Cooper. SC State trustees have elected Merl Code as the historically black college’s interim president, until they find a full-time replacement for current president George Cooper.
The trustees voted June 15 not to renew Cooper’s contract, who was fired for lacking performance. Cooper took over as president in 2008. Although he said his firing was not clear to him, the board voted for his firing because they say after repeated requests, Cooper failed to develop plans to address student enrollment declines, a falling graduation rate and financial issues.
Trustees voted Monday in a 7-5 vote for Code to replace Cooper. Code is currently a municipal judge in Greenville. One board member, Matthew Richardson, says he will ask the board to reconsider Cooper’s firing and give him a second chance.
Thursday, the board will gain two new members, replacing two members who voted not to renew Cooper’s contract.







