Copeland Dies of Cancer
Some sad news from the Hilltop over the weekend. Former SMU athletic director Jim Copeland died at his home in Charlottesville, Va., on Saturday after a long battle with cancer at age 65.
Copeland, who was inducted into the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Hall Of Fame as part of its 2009 class, was a NACDA past President and served as a director of athletics at four institutions — SMU, Virginia, Utah and William & Mary — over the course of his career.
“I greatly enjoyed working with Jim Copeland as a professional and as a friend,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “He played a key role in advancing our athletics program, leading transitions in conference membership, and planning and opening new facilities, including Ford Stadium and the Loyd All-Sports Center, that have been critical in bringing us where we are today. He will be greatly missed, and I know the University community joins me in sending thoughts and prayers to his family.”
