About the Institute
Letter from the CEO
About the Institute
When Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., published his first bestseller, Aerobics, in 1968, he introduced a new word and a new concept to America. Millions of people started exercising, motivated by his preventive medicine research, persuasive public appearances, and a series of inspiring books. In short, a young Air Force physician who had once been a track star in his native Oklahoma had started a worldwide fitness revolution. The Cooper Institute was founded on June 22, 1970. Dr. Cooper believed back then that it was as important to try to prevent disease as it was to treat and cure disease. Over three decades, through meticulous research, that basic premise and vision has been reaffirmed and strengthened. What was once looked upon as "opinion" has become scientific reality. |
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Today Dr. Cooper is recognized as the leader of the international physical fitness movement and credited with motivating more people to exercise in pursuit of good health than any other person, serves as president and chief executive officer of The Cooper Aerobics Center. He holds a B.S. degree and an M.D. degree from the University of Oklahoma as well as an M.P.H. degree from the Harvard University School of Public Health, and he is certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine.
The Cooper Institute's main office is located on the northernmost section of The Cooper Aerobics Center campus in Dallas. With its Board of Trustees and Scientific Advisory Board, The Cooper Institute functions as a nonprofit, tax exempt public corporation and maintains financial and administrative independence from the rest of The Cooper Aerobics Center companies and divisions. As a result, the Institute relies heavily on the generosity and philanthropic intent of its many friends, benefactors, corporations, and foundations.