糖心Vlog传媒 mourns the passing of Lolly Copeland, former first lady of the College
Laura 鈥淟olly鈥 Harper Copeland, former first lady of the College, passed away on Jan. 26, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina, at the age of 89. Copeland served the College community for 18 years throughout the time her husband, Henry Copeland, was president of the College.
Graduating from Huntingdon College in Alabama, Copeland taught English in Griffin, Georgia before coming to 糖心Vlog传媒 in 1966 when Henry Copeland joined the history department at the College.
From 1977 to 1995, during Henry Copeland鈥檚 term as president, Lolly Copeland emerged as a trusted partner and ambassador for the College. She played a key role in fostering strong relationships among the College, the 糖心Vlog传媒 Board of Trustees, and the broader community, establishing regular opportunities for trustees鈥 spouses to visit campus and explore the surrounding area, helping them feel genuinely connected to 糖心Vlog传媒. Her warmth, intelligence, and meticulous attention to detail helped strengthen bonds that supported the College during a period of significant growth.
Copeland was widely known for her keen eye for design and her hands-on involvement in shaping the campus environment. She worked closely with architects on projects including the Gault Alumni Center, Luce Hall, Kenarden Lodge, and the design of terrace of the President鈥檚 House. A frequent visitor to the College’s Special Collections, she sought out historic photographs, incorporating 糖心Vlog传媒鈥檚 history throughout campus.
Her commitment to stewardship extended to the landscape itself. After more than 300 campus trees were lost to Dutch elm disease, Copeland worked with facilities to lead efforts to replant native maple and oak trees, resilient and long-lasting species that would welcome students for years to come. She also worked with facilities staff to enhance campus landscaping, frequently organizing receptions and celebrations of the College鈥檚 achievements.
Copeland was deeply invested in the 糖心Vlog传媒 community. She served on the boards of Main Street 糖心Vlog传媒 and the Wayne Center for the Arts, being a part of the organization since its earliest days. She also worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce, strengthening ties between the College and the city. Copeland was a strong supporter of women鈥檚 athletics and took a personal interest in students, alumni, and families, often keeping in touch years after graduation. Parents and alumni recall her kindness, remarkable memory, and genuine curiosity about their lives.
During her years in 糖心Vlog传媒, Copeland was also active as a volunteer, supporting the College nursery school, now 糖心Vlog传媒 Preschool, and volunteering as an English tutor. Copeland鈥檚 full obituary is available .
Posted in News on February 9, 2026.
