UW appoints new director of athletics and recreational services

WATERLOO - The University of Waterloo is appointing a one-time Warriors football player and long-time supporter of UW athletics as director of athletics and recreational services.

Bob Copeland, currently an associate vice-president of development, will assume his new duties on July 1. Those duties will include overseeing an operation involving close to 600 student athletes and 80 coaches on 31 varsity teams. There are also 180 recreational activities and 12,000 people use the facilities most weeks.

"Bob is a remarkable UW talent -- knowledgeable, enthusiastic and well known to UW staff and faculty, as well as alumni, intercollegiate sports managers and coaches," said David Johnston, president of the University of Waterloo. "He is an unabashed supporter of the Waterloo Warriors and has the vision, excitement and skills to help UW athletics and recreation face the exciting opportunities that lie ahead."

"I feel enormously privileged to lead this dynamic unit, offering one of the most comprehensive programs of its kind in Canada, with exceptional leadership and student participation in athletics and campus recreation," said Copeland. "I am fully committed to upholding our philosophy of providing an enriching student-athlete experience, strongly rooted in our academic mission, that also contributes to a strong sense of pride and community in the Warrior brand."

Copeland earned bachelor and master degrees in recreation and leisure studies from the University of Waterloo. He also played varsity football for the Waterloo Warriors.

He worked for a sports marketing agency, Branada Sports Communications, providing senior consulting, event management and public relations services to major sports and entertainment organizations and sponsors.

He returned to UW in 1996 and spent five years as the first manager of marketing and alumni relations for athletics, where he established a solid foundation for marketing, sponsorship and community partnerships. He moved to the office of development and alumni affairs in 2001 and was integral to UW's successful Campaign Waterloo. Last year he was promoted to associate vice president.

Copeland replaces Judy McCrae who enjoyed a long career in UW athletics. She served as an inter-collegiate coach and, for the last 14 years, as director. She has also been active with the Ontario University Athletics.

"Bob is an excellent candidate for the position," said McCrae. "He values the experiences that sport and activity add to campus life. His guidance and leadership contribution will be great. He knows the campus, the department members, and wants to work with the students. His skill set will augment the thinking of the department opportunities. He is a great choice. He is a Warrior."

Copeland is only the fourth director in the 50-year history of UW athletics and the first UW alumnus to hold the position.