The Robert O. Cooper Peace and Justice Fellowship was founded in 1992 upon the retirement of Robert O. Cooper after twenty-seven years as Associate Chaplain to the University, at Southern Methodist University. The fellowship began with gifts from Bob's friends, co-workers in the chaplaincy, The Dallas Peace Center, and Northaven United Methodist Church.

The Fellowship is made possible by the continuing gifts from individuals and organizations committed to peace and justice. The generosity of Founding Contributors have made possible the presentation of fourteen Fellowship Grants and the hosting of fifteen lectures.

On Sunday, April 26, 2009, Craig Watkins, Dallas County District Attorney, will be honored as the 2009 Cooper Peace and Justice Fellow. The lecture will take place at 7:00pm in the Hughes Trigg Student Center Theater. The SMU community and the public is invited to attend; the lecture is free.