Mel Cooper, who along with former head of school Spencer McCallie III, ushered McCallie School into the modern era of fundraising and development, passed away Friday, April 10, at the age of 85.
To better understand Cooper’s lasting impact on McCallie, consider that when he first arrived in 1975, the school’s endowment was around $330,000. Due to the tireless fundraising efforts of Cooper and Spencer III over the next two decades or so, when he retired in 2007, having served as its Director of Development for 25 years between 1975 and 2000, McCallie had received more than $90 million in annual and capital gifts, with another $60 million committed in planned gifts.
As Curtis Baggett, Director of Development when Cooper retired, noted, "The entire scope of and approach to fundraising changed during his time at the helm. The school is unquestionably better off today because of Mel's vision and energy."
Mr. Cooper was a graduate of Columbia University. Prior to joining McCallie, he held development positions at Memphis University School and the Hutchison School in Memphis.
In 2001, Mr. Cooper accepted one of the highest awards given by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the Robert Bell Crow Memorial Award, given to recognize distinguished service.
Upon his retirement, one alumnus wrote to Cooper: "Our school is where it is today due to your leadership, vision and your character. Thank you for what you have done... you will be deeply missed."
Cooper is survived by his wife Eleanor and the couple’s two daughters Katie Cooper and Mae McCallie Cooper.
The service will be held April 18th, 2026 at 11 am in McCallie Chapel with reception to follow in Alumni Hall on McCallie’s campus.
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