Richard E Cooper
Richard Ernst Cooper, a native of Somerset, Kentucky graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1938, cum laude.
He was formerly the Chief Executive Officer and part owner of the Somerset Stone Company. He has served as the President of the Kentucky Crushed Stone Association and also regional Vice-President of the National Crushed Stone Association. He served as Vice-President of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce and was formerly on the Board of the Kentucky State Chamber of Commerce. Having an interest in Citizens National Bank, he has served on the Board for many years, and was also the Chairman of the Board.
In 1953, Mr. Cooper was appointed to the Executive Committee of the U.K. Alumni Association. He served as President of the Alumni Association in 1965-66. In recognition of his devotion and leadership in University affairs, Mr. Cooper was presented an Alumni service award by the U.K. Alumni Association. In 1966, he was appointed by the Governor to serve on the University’s Board of Trustees and served for 13 years. His term expired December 31, 1977. Shortly after being appointed the first time, he was made a member of the Executive Committee, serving in this capacity for the balance of the three terms.
His first term on the Board of Trustees was during Dr. John Oswald’s administration at the University. The Community College System was developed under Dr. Oswald’s tutelage. Mr. Cooper also served on the 1st Advisory Board at the Somerset Community College and later served as its Chairman. Mr. Cooper was State Co-Chairman of the Citizens Committee for the 1965 Kentucky State Bond Issue and was awarded WHAS News “Man of the Year” award in 1965. This is a public service award. Since the vote in the final election was in favor the Bond issue, monies were provided for the badly needed educational facilities in higher education for the State of Kentucky.
He has been a member of the U.K. Development Council since its inception and was also on the Board of Directors.
During his tenure as a Trustee, he served as a member of the Board of Directors of the U.K. Research Foundation and also a member of the Executive Committee.
Mr. Cooper has been a member of the Council of the Art Museum of the University of Kentucky and was appointed to the Health Care Access Committee by Dr. Peter P. Bosomworth, Chancellor of the Albert B. Chandler Medical Center. He is a University of Kentucky Fellow.
A few years ago, in recognition of this service to the University, he was inducted into the U.K. Chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, a student honorary fraternity.
To show his continuing interest in education in Kentucky, he has been for many years a member of the Kentucky Independent College Foundation and has supported them in their efforts.
On March 27, 1985, the Richard Ernst Cooper Building on the campus of the Somerset Community College, was dedicated with Governor Martha Layne Collins and Dr. Otis Singletary, President of the University of Kentucky, in attendance. He has served as Honorary Chairman of the Capital Fund Drive for Somerset Community College in two campaigns.
Again, Mr. Cooper was honored by the University of Kentucky when Dr. David Roselle, President, presented him the University’s highest award to a citizen of the State, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion.
Mr. Cooper is a life member of the Filson Club of Louisville, and was also a Trustee of Shakertown at Pleasant Hill.
In January of 2006, at the Somerset/Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, Mr. Cooper was awarded the “Distinguish Community Service Award” for 2005.
Mr. Cooper was a member of the St. Patrick Episcopal Church in Somerset where he as served in many capacities including Senior Warden.
He was married to the former Cornelia Dozier Cain of Madisonville, Kentucky. She is also a graduate of the University of Kentucky, and a Fellow. Their two children are: Mrs. Derek Vaughan and Mr. Frank D. Cain of Lexington, Kentucky.
Sadly, Mr. Cooper passed away in August 2007.
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