Kim Coplin ’85

Kim Coplin’s contributions to Denison are defned by both intellectual rigor and a deep commitment to the Denison community. Her tenure, from faculty member to Chief Academic Ofcer, has been distinguished by a dedication to the university’s academic program and a leadership path marked by thoughtful progression.

From an early age, Coplin demonstrated a natural aptitude for math and science, and a curiosity about how the world works. As a student, she gravitated toward analytical challenges, and during her sophomore year at Denison, she discovered a deeper connection to physics that would defne her academic and professional trajectory.

Afer graduating in 1985, Coplin went on to earn her master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. Her experience during the following year, working at a research facility in Columbus, solidifed her desire to pursue a career in academia, where she could balance teaching, research, and mentorship. She went on to receive her doctorate from Ohio State University where her scholarly work focused on experimental condensed matter physics, including novel electronic materials, and later expanded to include the biophysics of human movement.

In 1993, Coplin returned to Denison as a faculty member to begin what would become more than three decades of service to the university. In the classroom and laboratory, she was known for her dedication to students and her engagement with evolving areas of research. Afer earning tenure, she became chair of the Physics Department, where she built an understanding of the broader workings of the institution. Service on faculty committees and collaboration with campus leadership provided additional perspective, paving the way for a transition into academic administration.

What began for Coplin as a Rotating Associate Provost role, originally intended as a short-term appointment, eventually grew into a longer tenure and culminated in her appointment as Provost in 2013. As Denison’s Chief Academic Ofcer, Coplin has served as a steward of the university’s academic program, overseeing the curriculum, majors and interdisciplinary oferings, and key academic resources across campus. She has guided a period of meaningful evolution, working closely with faculty across campus to develop new programs including Global Commerce, Data Analytics, and Health, Exercise, & Sport Studies.

Troughout this time, Coplin has balanced innovation with a commitment to close faculty-student engagement, drawing from the core values of a liberal arts education. Central to her leadership has been a focus on people and relationships, and she credits the collaborative nature of Denison’s faculty and their shared investment in students as defning features of her experience. She has deeply valued ongoing dialogue, whether through committee work, individual meetings, or broader conversations about the direction of the university and its support of its community and students.

As she looks ahead to retirement, Coplin is eager to spend more time with her family, many of whom share deep ties to Denison. Her daughter will graduate this spring, joining Coplin, her husband, son, and several extended family members as alumni. She also looks forward to new opportunities for engagement, including continued involvement in alumni initiatives and the fexibility to be more active in the community. Coplin leaves Denison with a legacy of thoughtful leadership, academic stewardship, and a deep commitment to the people and principles that shape the university.