Hunter Business School Director Wins Outstanding Volunteer Award

Press release from MSA-CESS:

April 23, 2023

The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) recently announced that Chuck Copt, campus director for Hunter Business School, in Medford, N.Y., is the recipient of this year’s Susan K. Nicklas Outstanding Volunteer Award.

“Chuck is a devoted Middle States volunteer who has generously lent his expertise in accreditation and school management in support of other schools,” said Christian Talbot, president of the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. “We are grateful to Chuck and all of the volunteers who play a critical role in the accreditation process.”

Presented annually, the Susan K. Nicklas Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes a dedicated volunteer who has advanced the mission of the Middle States Association to foster continuous school improvement through accreditation so that all students receive the highest quality education possible. Volunteers serve on accreditation teams that evaluate schools based on an established set of protocols and standards that reflect best practices in education.

Nicklas served as the executive director of the Middle States Commissions on Secondary Schools from 2002 to 2005 and was a member of the staff since 1993. She remains a dedicated educator, who views accreditation as one of the most effective forms of evaluation available to schools.

Copt joined Hunter Business School in 2009 and has been managing operations for its Medford campus for the past year. Previously, he served as corporate director of education for the school.

As an active Middle States volunteer for four years, Copt has participated in team visits to schools in New York, and led teams of volunteers on visits to career and technical schools in New Jersey and Virginia. He has also served on Middle States committees that advise on issues affecting domestic and career and technical schools.

Copt earned his bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y., and his master’s degree in education administration from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, N.Y.

“I am thankful to Middle States for providing me with the opportunity to support other school communities as they pursue accreditation,” said Copt. “It is rewarding to see schools benefit from the accreditation process, and I enjoy meeting with and learning from other school leaders.”

This press release was produced by MSA-CESS. The views expressed here are the author's own.