Dr. Nathan B. Copeland Officially Installed As President During Limestone University Inauguration Ceremony

Limestone University installed its new President, Dr. Nathan B. Copeland, on Friday, Nov. 15, in a ceremony attended by delegates from colleges and universities in four states.

Copeland has served as Limestone’s 24th President since May. He arrived at Limestone from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., where he had been the Vice President of Advancement and Enrollment since 2021.

Harding University President Dr. Mike Williams and President Emeritus Dr. David Burks from Copeland’s alma mater in Searcy, Ark. were among the college representatives at the inauguration.

Calling Harding University his second home, Copeland expressed his appreciation to his family and the many mentors who helped the president develop from a first generation college student into a higher education leader.

Copeland was presented with the Medallion of Office by Limestone University Board of Trustees Chair Randall L. Richardson. The medallion is reserved for Limestone Presidents to wear as part of their academic regalia at events such as graduation ceremonies.

“It is a great honor to serve as the President of Limestone University, and I am tremendously humbled for this opportunity,” Copeland said. “I didn’t get here by myself. I’m surrounded by people who changed my trajectory and in so doing changed the life of my family. This day would not be possible without the love and support of my family and the many mentors in my life.”

Under Copeland's guidance, Limestone will focus on three foundational pillars at the University to prepare students for the future.

“We will challenge our students academically. We will challenge our students socially, and we will challenge our students spiritually,” Copeland said. “These areas are integral to our mission and essential for our continued growth and impact on students as they begin to make their mark on the world.”

Limestone has started the President’s Excellence Fund to raise financial support for its strategic priorities. Gifts to the fund will be used to support Limestone’s future growth through student scholarships, recruitment of top professors, and campus initiatives that support the University’s mission.

Copeland announced Ken Bible, the former Chief Information Security Officer at the Department of Homeland Security, will join Limestone University as a Distinguished Vsiting Professor of cybersecurity.

Copeland said he plans to announce a new campus minister soon to support students in their spiritual development.

“One of the most important and impactful things I will ever do as President of Limestone University will be finding and investing in areas for our students to begin or grow their relationship with Christ,” Copeland said.

(Article by Scott Powell, The Gaffney Ledger, November 18, 2024)