Bill Coplin

Bill Coplin is an award-winning educator, author & social innovator with an impressive academic journey spanning six decades. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences from Johns Hopkins University in 1960, followed by a Master of Arts in 1962 and a Ph.D. in International Relations in 1964 from American University. From 1977 to 2021, Coplin was the Director and Professor of the Public Affairs Program at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Coplin started his academic career as a professor at Wayne State University in 1964. His dedication and scholarship led to his appointment as an Associate Professor in 1967 and, ultimately, the granting of tenure in 1968. In 1969, Coplin transitioned to Syracuse University, where he continued his research and innovative educational strategies. His contributions to academia led to his appointment as a full-time professor at Syracuse University in 1975, a remarkable achievement at the age of 36.

Over the past six decades, Coplin’s scholarly endeavors have encompassed diverse fields, including international relations, public policy, political risk analysis, social science education, and citizenship. In addition to 110 publications, Coplin has taken action in many areas. In 1979, he co-founded Political Risk Services profit center in Frost and Sullivan Inc, which provided forecasts of political and economic conditions in 100 countries until 2000. His work has impacted all levels from Syracuse University, the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, the State of New York, the US federal government and international affairs. Meantime, Coplin has increasingly focused his efforts toward reforming high school and college education leading to the creation of Skills Win.