Bob Copeland, director of athletics at the University of Waterloo, announced today that he will step down from his role on November 1, 2013
WATERLOO, Ont. (Thursday, July 25, 2013) – Bob Copeland, director of athletics at the University of Waterloo, announced today that he will step down from his role on November 1, 2013.
In his five years as the head of the Department of Athletics and Recreational Services, Copeland contributed to the success of the Waterloo Warriors and laid the foundation for their future. In a career spanning 17 years at Waterloo, he worked in other senior leadership roles, including associate vice-president, development and alumni affairs.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have led such a dynamic department and passionate group of staff, coaches and student-athletes who represent the University of Waterloo with great distinction,” said Copeland. “I am looking forward to taking on new challenges and continuing to make positive contributions in the Canadian sports community. I will forever be a Warrior and plan to remain active in my support of the department as an alumnus.”
During Copeland’s tenure he led the development of a comprehensive strategic plan for athletics, the expansion of Warrior Field and increased Athletic Financial Award scholarship support for student-athletes. He championed a new sport model that is currently being implemented across Waterloo's expansive interuniversity sport program and has been successful in attracting to Waterloo some of the best coaches in Canada.
“Bob has made several significant contributions to the University of Waterloo throughout his career. We will miss his passion and determination to advance the university,” said Chris Read, associate provost, students. “During difficult times, Bob provided courageous and steadfast leadership. We wish him the very best and know he will continue to be a valued member of our community.”
Copeland has been an active and respected part of the Canadian sporting landscape and accepted senior leadership roles with Ontario University Athletics and Canadian Interuniversity Sport. He also received the prestigious Taylor’s Award in 2010 from the Taylor Hooton Foundation “for courage in leading the effort to protect young people from the dangers of steroids and other [appearance and performance enhancing drugs].”
Copeland is a graduate of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies and received the department’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008.
