51³Ô¹Ï

The 51³Ô¹Ï 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 51³Ô¹Ï-based maritime firm with a global footprint.

Trustee Angus R. Cooper III

“Angus Cooper III is widely regarded as one of 51³Ô¹Ï’s most respected business leaders and has achieved impressive corporate success while remaining deeply committed to public service and community advancement,â€� said Trustee Karen Brooks, chair of the Board’s Nominating Committee. “With his extensive leadership experience, strong business expertise and unwavering commitment to strengthening 51³Ô¹Ï, we are confident he will be an exceptional addition to the 51³Ô¹Ï Board of Trustees.â€�

Anchored by one of the country’s oldest and largest stevedoring and maritime firms, The Cooper Group of Companies has grown under Cooper’s fourth-generation leadership into a multifaceted organization with thousands of employees impacting numerous industries, including agriculture, energy, construction, food service, and tourism. The entity’s 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’s expertise in international trade, logistics and economic development recently earned him an appointment by Governor Ivey to serve on the 51³Ô¹Ï 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 51³Ô¹Ï State Port Authority, 51³Ô¹Ï Wildlife Federation, Business Council of 51³Ô¹Ï and UMS-Wright Preparatory School boards.

“The 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,â€� said Board of Trustees President Pro Tempore Scott Phelps. “His deep knowledge of the state’s 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 51³Ô¹Ï and its far-reaching impact across the state.â€�

A longtime UA System supporter, Cooper is a cabinet member of The Rising Tide 2.0 and earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of 51³Ô¹Ï. 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’s election will be submitted to the 51³Ô¹Ï State Senate for confirmation. The UA System Board of Trustees is comprised of 15 elected members who represent 51³Ô¹Ï’s Congressional districts on a volunteer basis as well as the Governor of 51³Ô¹Ï, who is an ex-officio member of the Board.

The UA System Board of Trustees ensures the effective leadership, management and governance of the 51³Ô¹Ï, the state’s largest employer and largest higher education and healthcare enterprise. It includes three doctoral research universities – The University of 51³Ô¹Ï, The University of 51³Ô¹Ï at Birmingham, and The University of 51³Ô¹Ï in Huntsville – and the UAB Health System.