Marshall president Stephen Kopp dies after suffering heart attack

Stephen Kopp, who oversaw $200 million worth of campus expansion during his nine years as Marshall University’s president, died of an apparent heart attack Wednesday night.

Kopp suffered the heart attack at home, police said. He was pronounced dead at Cabell Huntington Hospital around 9 p.m.

Marshall Board of Governors chairman Michael Sellards called Kopp “one of the most dedicated and long-serving presidents in the 177-year history of Marshall University.”

Kopp was Marshall’s 36th president, beginning his work on the Huntington campus on July 1, 2005.

U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller said Marshall grew in scale and popularity during Kopp’s tenure, which included the largest freshman class in university history.

West Virginia Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Paul Hill said the entire education community in West Virginia is diminished by Kopp’s passing.

Kopp is survived by his wife, Jane, their two children, Adam and Liz, and two grandchildren.