Marshall University President Stephen Kopp speaks during his State of the University Address during the general faculty meeting on September 29, 2009, at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University President Stephen Kopp, who led the university through nine years of infrastructure growth and new academic developments, died Wednesday of a sudden illness, according to the university.
According to the university, Kopp, 63, became ill at home and was transported to Cabell Huntington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 9 p.m.
“We have lost one of the most dedicated and long-serving presidents in the 177-year history of Marshall University,” said Michael Sellards, chairman of the university’s Board of Governors. “We ask that you keep President Kopp’s wife, Jane, and two children, Adam and Liz, and their families in your thoughts and prayers.”
Kopp become president of the university in 2005 at age 54. Under his leadership, Marshall experienced unprecedented growth and development.
By 2013, more than $200 million in new buildings and renovations had been completed, and more than $110 million in new infrastructure development were in the works…
