COPLAC

The Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) advances the aims of its member institutions an COPLAC serves both external and internal constituencies.

Established in 1987 and now consisting of 30 colleges and universities in 28 states and one Canadian province, COPLAC represents a distinguished sector in higher education. Some campuses have received designation from their state legislatures or public university systems as the state's public liberal arts college or the public honors college for the liberal arts. Others have carved out a less form

al but no less visible role as such in their states or province. It communicates to state and federal policy makers the vital importance and benefits of providing students with comprehensive public higher education in the liberal arts and sciences. It collaborates with major national higher education organizations like the Association of American Colleges and Universities to advance the aims of liberal learning in a global society. And it partners with the Council on Undergraduate Research to advance student learning through a recognized high impact practice. COPLAC enjoys an organizational and administrative structure that facilitates member collaborations, including multi-campus faculty and student research projects, professional development opportunities for faculty and professional staff, and enhanced information sharing through its interactive web portal. COPLAC has developed regional undergraduate research conferences and a web-based platform for outstanding scholarship at the undergraduate level. Students who enroll at a COPLAC institution are now directly engaged in the wider mission of public liberal arts education, the best preparation for a meaningful life and professional career. The Governing Board of COPLAC consists of the 30 Presidents/Chancellors or their designees. The Board elects a president of the organization for a two-year term and the full board meets on a semi-annual basis. The Board also elects a five-person Executive Committee whose members oversee the administrative work of the Director of COPLAC.

05/21/2026

COPLAC’s public liberal arts colleges train students for a lifetime of success in their careers. These CEOs graduated from and — learn how their education influenced their decisions and leadership development!

05/15/2026

COPLAC is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Dunn & Prior Awards! Ruhama Adnew, has been selected to receive the David J. Prior Award for Students, and Dr. Kim Ward has been selected to receive the Charles Dunn Award for Faculty. You can learn more about these incredible individuals on the COPLAC website!

04/22/2026

This Earth Day, we celebrate more than a moment—we honor a lifelong commitment. 🌎 Meet two COPLAC alumni who have turned their passion for the planet into purpose-driven work, protecting and preserving the world we all share. Their journeys remind us that meaningful change starts with dedicated individuals. Watch, reflect, and join us in honoring those who make every day Earth Day. 🌱

04/18/2026

COPLAC congratulates Rhonda Phillips on her inauguration today as the 8th president of ! COPLAC institutions were invited to the festivities and were represented in person and/or via citations. Great 70s Disco followed the ceremony at an outdoor reception for the community!

04/16/2026

Let the festivities begin !

04/12/2026

Education matters… and public education gave some of the Artemis II astronauts the foundation upon which they were able to build their dreams. 🚀

04/10/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Heather Shotton on her investiture as the 11th president of . President Shotton is their first president! We are proud of your accomplishments thus far and can’t wait to see what the future holds!

03/31/2026

You are seen. You are valued. You are part of our community. You belong! 🏳️‍⚧️

03/20/2026

A public liberal arts education isn’t just about what you learn — it’s about how you learn to think. 🎓 Hear from three incredible COPLAC alumni on how their time in college shaped who they are as educators.

03/17/2026

Sláinte! ☘️

Address

One University Heights
Asheville, NC
28804

Website

http://www.coplac.org/

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