White House Initiative Names TSU Student 2014 HBCU All-Star For Academics, Leadership

Jeremiah T. Cooper, a sophomore Computer Science major from Nashville, has been named a 2014 HBCU All-Star by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, for his accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement. (photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A Tennessee State University student has been named a 2014 HBCU All-Star by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, for his accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement.

Jeremiah T. Cooper, a sophomore Computer Science major from Nashville, will serve as an ambassador of the White House Initiative by providing outreach and communication with his fellow students about the value of education and the Initiative as a networking resource.

Cooper was among 75 All-Stars selected from 445 undergraduate, graduate and professional students who submitted completed applications including transcripts, resumes, essays and recommendations. The students represent 64 HBCUs from across the nation.

In announcing Cooper and his fellow all-stars’ selection, the White House Initiative said “engaging with this next generation of leaders” who will go on to make meaningful contributions to society is crucial to the success of the community and global competitiveness of the United States.

“It is a privilege to announce these 75 students who have demonstrated a commitment to both their own academic achievement and making a difference in their communities,” said George Cooper, executive director of the WHIHBCUs. “We look forward to working with them as partners in advancing President Obama’s college completion goal.”

Cooper, a very active and community-oriented student, is on full academic scholarship at TSU with a 3.74 GPA. He is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and a former historian and e-board member of Collegiate 100, where he mentors young people. He is a youth leader and advocate with the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church Youth Council, where among other activities, he monitors and mentors children ages 3-14.

“I feel very blessed and humbled to be selected for this very prestigious recognition,” Cooper said about his selection as an HBCU all-star, adding that a cousin and his parents encouraged him to apply. “I was ecstatic to hear the news. When I applied I was confident of my ability but I wasn’t sure I would be selected. I am thankful that I did.”

In a letter congratulating Cooper for his selection, the White House Initiative noted his outstanding credentials.

“Your superb achievements in academics, leadership and civic engagement have once again set you apart from other applicants. The White House Initiatives on Historically Black Colleges and Universities is delighted that you will represent your school and the initiative as an all-star student who will graduate as a leader from one of the nation’s finest HBCUs,” the letter stated.

Cooper’s (Computer Science) department head and advisor, did not mince words when he heard about his student’s selection as an HBCU all-star.

“Jeremiah is an exceptional student with a strong academic background who is actively involved in NASA-funded research activities in our department,” said Dr. Ali Sekmen.”

He described Cooper as a team player and a mentor who is involved in projects that require not only technical but also “very critical soft skills” such as working in teams and effective communication.

“Jeremiah sometimes assists our faculty in teaching some of our computer programming classes, while also serving as a mentor to some of our freshmen. He is an active member of our Game Programming Group,” Sekmen added.

According to the White House Initiative’s announcement, over the course of the next year, Cooper and his fellow all-stars, using social media and their relationships with community-based organizations, will share “promising and proven” practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential.

In addition, the 45 female and 30 male All-Stars will participate in regional events and web chats with the deputy director of the WHIHBCUs, other Initiative staff and professionals from a wide range of disciplines.  They will also have opportunities to engage with other scholars to showcase individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.