Thomas Earl Copeland

Dr. Thomas Earl Copeland passed away on December 25th, 2024, in La Jolla California at the age of 78 while surrounded by his family in La Jolla, California. He is survived by: his loving wife, partner, and best friend of over 30 years Maggie; three children Timothy, Michael and Amanda along with her husband Brian; four grandchildren Naiya, Lily, Jude and Oliver; and younger brother Denny.

Thomas was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania on August 14th, 1946 to George and Irene Copeland, with a younger brother. There, his parents fostered a family culture of hard work and learning. Thomas would become a well rounded individual as a result, succeeding in many things in his early years such as wrestling, choir, acting, and academics. However, this did not prevent him from exploring more exciting things such as his storied car races and skiing. These things along with ambition to venture out and make a name for himself would drive Thomas to accomplish many things throughout his life.

Thomas attended Johns Hopkins University for his undergraduate education where he began his study of economics, graduating in 1968. He continued his education at the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, earning his MBA in 1969. He then completed his doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania with a PhD in Business and Applied Economics in 1973. He also spent time in the Army Reserves serving as an intelligence officer.

After a two year period teaching at LaSalle College during his PhD program, Thomas became a Professor of Finance at the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management at the age of 26 where he would teach for 16 years and achieve full tenure. During his last two years at UCLA, Thomas would begin his time as a Partner at McKinsey & Company and Co-leader in its Corporate Financial Practice where he would catapult his career. He would go on to continue his consulting career at Monitor Group and Charles Rivers Associate. After 22 years of consulting, Thomas would pivot his career to work with his wife Maggie Copeland at a venture called Copeland Valuation , a hedge fund that brought together the couple’s vast experience in the financial industry. Throughout all of his time in industry, Thomas would continue to teach and share his experience to many students, serving as a visiting professor at a number of reputable institutions including NYU Stern School of Business, MIT, Harvard, and USD. He would finally retire in 2017 to enjoy his golden years with his wife in La Jolla, California.

Overall, Thomas had a storied career and was proud of what he achieved in his time. His academic career saw him teach at some of the country’s most reputable institutions and author a vast number of publications, including 6 books translated to 13 languages, 30 professional journal articles, 29 trade journal articles, and much more. His ideas led him to be cited over 36,000 times, a proud fact he often introduced himself with to new acquaintances. His professional career led him to consult for some of the largest firms internationally in his many journeys, with over 200 companies advised in 35 countries, along with two appearances as an expert witness in the World Court. This expertise in his field earned him the nickname of the ‘guru of corporate finance’ in certain circles.

However, Thomas’s greatest achievement will always be the impact he had on the friends, students and colleagues he met throughout his life; the family he raised and was always proud of; and the loving partnership he created with his wife who was there at his side, holding his hand until the last moment.