QU WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND SECURITY
Quincy University welcomes Robert Copley as QU’s next Director of Safety and Security. Copley is working with the current director of safety and security, Sam Lathrop, who is retiring on May 31.
Copley has over 40 years of experience in law enforcement. He worked with the Quincy Police Department from 1980 to 2022, serving as a Patrol Officer, Detective-Youth Specialist, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and Chief of Police. Twenty-four of those years were spent in the command staff, eighteen as Chief.
“I am excited to be part of the Quincy University community,” said Copley. “While I enjoyed being retired, I missed interacting with the public. I believe I have more to give. This position gives me that opportunity.”
As Chief of Police, Copley served on the Executive Board of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, as President and a member of the Executive Board of the Central Illinois Association of Law Enforcement Executives, as Chairman and member of the West Central Illinois (Drug) Task Force Board, and as member of both the West Central Illinois Justice Council Mobile Training Unit Board and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. He is a life member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
“I’m excited to welcome Robert Copley as our new Director of Safety and Security at QU,” said Dr. Christine Tracy, vice president for student development. “With over 40 years in law enforcement, he brings valuable experience to our team. His leadership will be crucial in maintaining the safety of our campus community. I’m looking forward to working with him closely to ensure the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.”
Copley is a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command. He earned an Associate’s in Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Lincoln Land Community College.
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and
Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.