The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) proudly held a special dedication ceremony on Friday, June 6, 2025, to commemorate the renaming of the tennis courts on the Orville E. Kean Campus in honor of the late Dr. Fenella Anita Cooper.
Now officially named the Fenella A. Cooper Tennis Complex, the facility pays tribute to Dr. Cooper’s extraordinary legacy as an educator, coach, and community leader in the Virgin Islands.
The renaming was made possible through Act No. 8816 (Bill No. 35-0107), enacted by the Thirty-Fifth Legislature of the Virgin Islands during its 2024 Regular Session, which posthumously honored Dr. Cooper for her outstanding contributions to education, sports, and culture in the Territory.
The event featured heartfelt remarks from UVI President Dr. Safiya George, members of the Virgin Islands Legislature, former colleagues, family members, and former students and athletes whose lives were touched by Dr. Cooper. A new sign bearing the name “Fenella A. Cooper Tennis Complex” was unveiled during the ceremony.
“Dr. Fenella Cooper truly embodied the spirit of this University through her unwavering dedication to sports, education, and the community,” said Dr. George. “By renaming our tennis complex in her honor, we celebrate her enduring legacy—one that will continue to motivate and uplift future generations of students and athletes.”
Dr. Cooper was born on April 6, 1950, in Molineaux, St. Kitts, and later moved to New York, where she continued her education before relocating to St. Thomas in 1977. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UVI, and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Argosy University in 2015.
During her distinguished 34-year teaching career in the Virgin Islands public school system and at UVI, Dr. Cooper became known for her innovative teaching style and passionate support for student development. She also co-directed the Virgin Islands Writing Project, promoting excellence in writing instruction across the Territory.
A trailblazer in athletics, Dr. Cooper served as the first coach of the UVI women’s tennis team and was an active member of the Virgin Islands Tennis Association, the United States Tennis Association, and the American Tennis Association for over three decades. She organized and led tennis workshops throughout the Caribbean and competed in numerous national tournaments, earning multiple titles and accolades.
Her contributions were recognized with her induction into the African American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and the UVI Buccaneers’ Hall of Fame in 2021.
The dedication ceremony served as a powerful tribute to Dr. Cooper’s enduring influence and deep commitment to education, athletics, and the Virgin Islands community.
For photos and more information, please contact the UVI Public Relations Office at pr@uvi.edu or (340) 693-1057.
