ORANGEBURG (WACH) -- Just over two weeks after South Carolina State University voted to remove the school's president, they're now bringing him back.
The school's board of trustees voted 8-5 to reinstate Dr. George E. Cooper Thursday.
Previously on June 15, the board took a vote of 7-4 not to renew Coopers contract.
The change of heart comes from two newly appointed board members, Robert L. Waldrep Jr. and Patricia Lott.
“I would like to thank Chairman Pinson and the members of the SC State University Board of Trustees who recently took a vote of confidence which allows me to continue as President of this great University. As President, I do not take this vote lightly as we reaffirm our mission as a land grant University and meet our highest goal-the educational needs of our students, who choose to attend SC State University,” Cooper said.
With the reversal comes the retraction of Judge Merl Code as interim president. Code was appointed to the position last week.
Cooper has served the school as president for two years and his tenure will resume immediately.
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