HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University president Stephen Kopp continued to be a strong advocate for higher education in his last meeting Wednesday evening just before his unexpected death.
Kopp, 63, suffered a heart attack at his home not long after that meeting. He was taken to Cabell Huntington Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Huntington Mayor Steve Williams was in the meeting with Kopp, soon-to-be state Senate President Bill Cole and others. He said Huntington leaders wanted to talk with Cole about several issues and Kopp took advantage of the opportunity.
“(Kopp) said, ‘Let the presidents of the colleges and universities in the state of West Virginia come together in a singular voice and be able to provide direction as to how this state can move forward with higher education taking the lead,'” Williams said on MetroNews “Talkline” Thursday.
State Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Paul Hill said Kopp took a scholarly approach to examining issues and then.
“He was very determined. Once he collected enough data or information, or had studied veraciously the information available on a topic, he was truly a scholar of higher education,” Hill said.
Kopp’s former chief of staff Matt Turner told “Talkline” he’ll remember Kopp’s love for students and seeing them achieve. Not longer after Kopp arrived at Marshall he changed tradition and made sure he shook the hand of every graduate in every commencement.
“He absolutely insisted on that through every commencement–that he would look every student in the eye, shake their hand and congratulate them, because he loved to see them start to finish,” Turner remembered.
One of those students who got to know Kopp was current student body President Duncan Waugaman.
“He was always laughing and he had such an interest in what every student had to say,” Waugaman said. “Being at a university many students have many different stories and he was interested in every single one of those.”
Kopp had no previous ties to Marshall when he was hired for the job in 2005 but Turner said he quickly became a West Virginian.
“He always laughed and one of his favorite statements was to say, ‘we got here as soon as we could,’ and I think that says a lot about him and his commitment to the university and to the state. He absolutely fell in love with West Virginia,” Turner said.
What others are saying about Kopp:
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin
“Dr. Kopp came to Marshall with a vision for growth and opportunity for its students, the faculty, the staff and the entire Huntington community,” Gov. Tomblin said. “Throughout his more than nine years as president, he dedicated himself every day to fulfilling that vision and ensuring the success of students not just at Marshall but across his adopted home state. He and his wife, Jane, fell in love with the people and beauty of West Virginia, and he was always so proud to share that love for our state wherever he spoke. Joanne and I extend our sympathy to Jane and his entire family.”
Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito
“The passing of Marshall University President Stephen Kopp is deeply saddening and a tremendous loss to both Marshall and our entire state. President Kopp’s extraordinary vision transformed Marshall University, and his dedication to the University and its students is truly commendable. My husband Charlie and I offer our deepest condolences to President Kopp’s wife, Jane, and their children.”
Sen. Bill Cole
“I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Stephen Kopp last night. Earlier in the day, Dr. Kopp and I had a positive, energetic meeting about moving West Virginia forward. He truly believed education was a critical part of West Virginia’s economic recovery and growth, and he was excited about Marshall University and Huntington playing a major role in revitalizing our state. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the community as they mourn his untimely passing.”
WVU president Gordon Gee
“I am deeply saddened to learn that my dear friend and colleague, Stephen Kopp, passed away suddenly last evening. We had recently met on Monday to discuss higher education priorities for the upcoming legislative session. For the past nine years, his leadership at Marshall University and his passion for education has enriched not only the city of Huntington but the entire state of West Virginia. I, along with the entire Mountaineer family, appreciate his service, his dedication and his contributions. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire Marshall community.”
West Liberty University President Robin Capehart
“President Kopp was a real leader in Higher Education and we will miss him. I was with him on Monday and am saddened and shocked to hear of his sudden passing. I considered him a friend as well as a colleague and I offer my profound condolences to his wife, Jane, and their children and families, as well as to the entire campus community of Marshall University. He will be sorely missed.”
House of Delegates Speaker Tim Miley
“My wife Susan and I are saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Marshall University President Dr. Stephen Kopp,” Speaker Miley said. “I’ve met him on several occasions and he seemed like such a kind and sincere individual. He certainly was a tremendous asset to not just Marshall but to the entire state of West Virginia.”
Legislative leader Del. Tim Armstead
“I am very saddened by the loss of Dr. Stephen Kopp. He was a tremendously talented and enthusiastic leader who cared deeply about Marshall University. I join with all members of the House of Delegates in extending our thoughts and prayers to his family and the entire Marshall community.”
West Virginia AFL-CIO president Kenny Perdue
“With the passing of President Kopp, Marshall University lost one of the most dedicated Presidents and public servants in the history of the school. Since his first day on campus in Huntington, Dr. Kopp proved to be a true friend of labor and working families, and for that I am grateful. Dr. Kopp was an academic leader and a true leader in West Virginia. Today I, along with all of the West Virginia AFL-CIO, send my condolences to Dr. Kopp’s wife Jane, his children Adam and Liz, Marshall University, and the entire Huntington community. ”