Accolades, tributes and the establishment of an endowment underscored “Breakfast for a Champion” for Jackson State University’s former College of Business Dean Dr. William “Bill” Cooley.
Friday’s event, presided by Mississippi state Senator John Horhn in the JSU Student Center, paid homage to the Mississippi Delta native who impacted the lives of many in attendance.
JSU’s College of Business has received nearly $20,000 in gifts and pledges for student scholarships and programs in support of the endowment.
Standing on the shoulders of greatness
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Carolyn W. Meyers, offering her own contribution, encouraged attendees to continue their support.
She said, “So many of us have stood on his shoulders, which have got to be sore.” As a result, Meyers presented a gift to Cooley: a sturdy pair of shoulder pads.
Horhn described Cooley as a natural-born leader.
“He leads by inspiring others with invigorating energy. He cares about youths, making sure they put their best foot forward. This suggests the quality of his leadership. A lot of people rest on their laurels and hang on to their personal successes. Bill Cooley spreads it around.”
Furthermore, the senator said, “If we had 10 more Bill Cooleys, we could definitely get Mississippi off the bottom. Despite his own accomplishments, Cooley shares it by inspiring, tutoring and mentoring others. His influence is like a ripple effect, such as a pebble striking a pond. We are blessed to have him in Mississippi.”
As a businessman, Cooley founded System Consulting Associates, one of the Top 100 fastest-growing, inner-city companies in the U.S., according to Inc. magazine. His Systems Electro Coating business operates as a supplier to Nissan North America, Canton. He now is chairman emeritus of the organization.
Dr. Mary M. White, a 31-year JSU employee in the College of Business, joined in to offer praise to Cooley, whom she described as “a doer who provides advice and assistance. He’s an entrepreneur, which is also my passion. Similar to what he has done, I want to be able to see our young people succeed with their businesses.”
A decorated military officer
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]lso, Cooley’s background consists of serving 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
Among salutes for his unwavering commitment and dedication included recognition from JSU’s Lt. Col. Timothy Henderson and his Air Force ROTC cadets.
Henderson noted Cooley’s commitment to his country and for bringing “unprecedented change to every area of life and the community. I, and these cadets, are standing on your shoulders because of your sacrifice to ideals greater than yourself.”
Finally, Dr. Ramin Maysami, dean of JSU’s College of Business, offered gratitude for Cooley’s legacy.
“He’s an honest man, and he tells you things the way they are. … We got AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation under Dr. Cooley, so now it’s our turn. We are among 5 percent of worldwide universities accredited by AACSB.”
Maysami credited his predecessor for being instrumental in the college’s continued success.
“To know Dr. Cooley is to love Dr. Cooley. … He always gives me an honest answer when I have a question. … Dr. Cooley has not lost his passion; he is not after glory. What I hope to do is to be like Dr. Cooley,” Maysami said.
