Motlow Names McMinnville Center
May 7, 2025
On May 2, Motlow State named the original McMinnville building on Cadillac Lane the Jerry W. Cooper Center in a ceremony honoring his family and legacy. Cooper was a state senator whose advocacy and devout belief in the power of education aided the College in making substantial progress and improving student opportunities.
Pictured: Dr. Michael Torrence (middle) with two of Jerry W. Cooper’s daughters, Faith (left) and Sally (right).
Motlow President Dr. Michael Torrence opened the ceremony by stating that Cooper’s mission was to improve the life of everyone around him and turn dreams into reality. President Torrence stated that the McMinnville Campus has far exceeded Cooper’s vision and has played an instrumental role in helping students in Warren and surrounding counties obtain a quality education close to home so that they can begin to create their own success. He introduced the family and special guests, including two of Cooper’s daughters, Faith McGee and Sally Pack, who continue to serve and support Motlow State.
Other speakers included Gary Morgan, a dear friend of the late senator; Ryle Chastain, Mayor of the city of McMinnville; Terry Bell, Mayor of Warren County; Charles Curtiss, former colleague and state representative; Janice Bowling, state senator; Dr. Frank Glass, President Emeritus of Motlow State; Fran Marcum, Motlow College Trustee and former regent; Monica Burgess, original McMinnville staff; J. Mark Hutchins, Vice President for Foundation and Corporate Services; and Sally Pack.
All speakers reflected on the character of Cooper whose life was dedicated to helping Motlow State be successful. He believed that improving roads and supporting Motlow State would be the best ways to serve his community, and he inspired others to serve their community as well. Cooper’s visionary leadership improved the lives of thousands because he knew that the economy would not thrive unless people were given the tools to build a better life. Since its opening in 1988, the McMinnville Campus, which Cooper helped Motlow State obtain the money to build, has supported student success and workforce development. He fostered unity and created an environment where people, regardless of their beliefs, could come together for a common purpose. He was quick to share insight and knowledge, and all who knew him knew how much he loved McMinnville and Warren County.
Cooper was a Motlow College Foundation Trustee for 25 years and supported the College through five presidents. He garnered approximately $18 million to fund the construction of several Motlow buildings: the McMinnville Center, Clayton-Glass Library, Don Sundquist Center, and Marcum Technology Center. He secured an additional $3.2 million that funded the purchase of equipment necessary to support the Mechatronics Program, which is available to Motlow students on the Smyrna, Fayetteville, and McMinnville campuses.
The Cooper sisters closed the ceremony by unveiling a replica of the bronze plaque that will soon go inside the building as well as the building's lettering that reads Jerry W. Cooper Center. In remembrance of Cooper, the Motlow Foundation is creating the Legacy Plaza. In front of the Jerry W. Cooper Center on the McMinnville Campus, there will be a plaza paved with commemorative bricks. To learn how to purchase a brick to commemorate alumni, friends, or family, call 931-393-1656. Funds from this project will go toward student scholarships and will help the College to continue its legacy of assisting students.