Improving health through lifestyle research

It is with profound sadness that we at the Kenneth H. Cooper Institute at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center mourn the passing of our former Executive Director, Dr. Charles Sterling. Charles led The Cooper Institute from 1981 to 2002 as well as leading the Youth Education division from 2009-2011. His dedication and contributions left an indelible mark on our organization, especially in the area of childhood fitness.

As a former administrator and coach in the Richardson Independent School District, he was keenly aware of the importance of physical fitness in students’ academic, social, and physical success. Charles developed and grew FitnessGram, a comprehensive physical fitness assessment tool used primarily in schools to evaluate students' health-related fitness.  This fitness assessment informed students, teachers and parents on a student’s health-related fitness status which would encourage changes in physical activity and education.

We remember Charles for his commitment to building a healthier community. His passion for wellness touched many lives, inspiring them to make positive changes. His legacy will live on in the programs and initiatives he developed and supported, and in the countless individuals who have benefited from The Cooper Institute's work.  His contributions will be remembered and honored as a vital part of The Cooper Institute’s ongoing mission to improve health for all.

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Dr. Susan Sterling, our former director of Adult Education, and to the entire Sterling family.

Everything we share at The Cooper Institute is grounded in research. We are internationally recognized for our work in preventive medicine, exercise science and obesity. Our findings related to healthy living continue to impact global health and inspire major organizations to follow our lead.

The Cooper Center Longitudinal Study (CCLS) is one of the largest, most highly-referenced, and longest studies with measured cardiorespiratory fitness in the world. We work with world-renowned scientists to explore this study. Findings from the CCLS established the links between fitness and heart disease, dementia, healthcare costs and more.

Research shows fit students perform better inside and outside the classroom. With that in mind, we set children up for success by encouraging healthy habits at a young age. Placing facts and figures in front of children is not effective, so we make being healthy FUN with our youth-focused programs.