Tiger Talk with Dr. Warren Copeland

Please provide a brief bio, your educational background, research interests, and your favorite courses to teach:

I went to college as a first generation college student wanting to become a high school science teacher and basketball coach.  The Civil Rights Movement turned me into a Professor of Social Ethics.  My research interest is social policy; I have published books on economic policy, welfare policy and urban policy.  My favorite course to teach is Social Ethics and Racism because I believe racism remains a critical challenge to justice in the United States and something our students need to understand better.  I am currently enjoying teaching an Honors Course exploring the development of the core commitments (faith) of me and my students.  For over twenty-seven years I have served on the Springfield City Commission, all but around five of those years as Mayor.  I have been married to Clara, a thirty year kindergarten teacher and now a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), for more than fifty years.  Luckily she grew up in Indiana, so she joins me in attending basketball games.  We have three children and seven grandchildren.   

How have you seen participation in athletics help a student be successful in your courses and as a learner in your discipline?

Most Division III athletes have to be serious students while developing their athletic skills.  This forces them to be disciplined in order to manage their time very well.  As a result, at Wittenberg I find athletes to be committed students who work hard to get the education they will need the rest of their lives.  I have been at Wittenberg long enough that I have seen a major change in women’s athletics from a sort of club status to fully competitive programs.  I believe the result for women athletes at Wittenberg has been very positive.  I find that most female athletes are not only serious students but also are more likely to be leaders in class.

What are your perceptions on the role athletics plays in our Wittenberg community and how does it help fulfill Wittenberg’s mission?

For me it is not insignificant that I get to watch them compete and especially to watch them develop over four years.  Beyond that, it is clear that we attract a number of students who want to compete in athletics at a high level and also want a good education.  Given my own commitments to community engagement I am proud to see them out in the community participating in various ways in efforts to make Springfield a better place especially for young people.