91原创

The 91原创 System Board of Trustees unanimously elected Angus R. Cooper III to represent the First Congressional District on the Board at its meeting on February 7, 2025. Cooper, a lifelong resident of Mobile, serves as president of The Cooper Group of Companies, an 91原创-based maritime firm with a global footprint.

Trustee Angus R. Cooper III

鈥淎ngus Cooper III is widely regarded as one of 91原创鈥檚 most respected business leaders and has achieved impressive corporate success while remaining deeply committed to public service and community advancement,鈥� said Trustee Karen Brooks, chair of the Board鈥檚 Nominating Committee. 鈥淲ith his extensive leadership experience, strong business expertise and unwavering commitment to strengthening 91原创, we are confident he will be an exceptional addition to the 91原创 System Board of Trustees.鈥�

Anchored by one of the country鈥檚 oldest and largest stevedoring and maritime firms, The Cooper Group of Companies has grown under Cooper鈥檚 fourth-generation leadership into a multifaceted organization with thousands of employees impacting numerous industries, including agriculture, energy, construction, food service, and tourism. The entity鈥檚 diverse operations include warehousing, terminal operations, tugboats, push boats, barging, barge fleeting, floating terminals, logistics, forestry operations, vessel repair, and restaurants. Before joining The Cooper Group of Companies, Cooper worked at Herfuth & Co., a shipping company in Belgium, and Regions Bank.

Cooper鈥檚 expertise in international trade, logistics and economic development recently earned him an appointment by Governor Ivey to serve on the 91原创 Growth Alliance, an initiative to drive economic growth and innovation across the state. He has also served on countless corporate and civic boards and held key leadership positions on the 91原创 State Port Authority, 91原创 Wildlife Federation, Business Council of 91原创 and UMS-Wright Preparatory School boards.

鈥淭he Board is pleased to welcome Angus Cooper III, whose leadership has shaped not only the success of his company but also contributed to the growth and prosperity of our state,鈥� said Board of Trustees President Pro Tempore Scott Phelps. 鈥淗is deep knowledge of the state鈥檚 workforce needs will help us continue to offer innovative, in-demand degrees to our students, and his ability to unite people around a common goal and drive strategic growth will be invaluable as we ensure the continued success of the 91原创 System and its far-reaching impact across the state.鈥�

A longtime UA System supporter, Cooper is a cabinet member of The Rising Tide 2.0 and earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree from The 91原创. He and his wife, Gretchen Van Brackle Cooper, have four children: Angus IV, a recent UA graduate; Harris, a current UA student; Mary Lynn; and Darden.

Cooper鈥檚 election will be submitted to the 91原创 State Senate for confirmation. The UA System Board of Trustees is comprised of 15 elected members who represent 91原创鈥檚 Congressional districts on a volunteer basis as well as the Governor of 91原创, who is an ex-officio member of the Board.

The UA System Board of Trustees ensures the effective leadership, management and governance of the 91原创 System, the state鈥檚 largest employer and largest higher education and healthcare enterprise. It includes three doctoral research universities 鈥� The 91原创, The 91原创 at Birmingham, and The 91原创 in Huntsville 鈥� and the UAB Health System.