Hilary Copp

Dr. Hilary Copp serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work, Sociology, and Human Services at Pennsylvania Western University. She holds a Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago and earned both her MSW and PhD in Social Work from the University of Georgia, maintaining active Pennsylvania licensure (LSW). Previously serving as undergraduate program director from 2011-2021, she teaches practice, research, and field courses across BSW and MSW programs.

Her academic credentials include:

• Master of Divinity, University of Chicago
• MSW, University of Georgia
• PhD in Social Work, University of Georgia

Research centers on LGBTQ individuals and school climate dynamics in secondary/collegiate settings, with clinical expertise spanning sexual/gender identity, college student mental health, gerontology, and Holocaust survivor support. Her work bridges academic scholarship with direct practice in marginalized community contexts.

Dr. Copp's institutional contributions include decade-long undergraduate program leadership and comprehensive instruction across the social work curriculum. She resides in Erie with her spouse and two cats, maintaining active clinical engagement alongside academic responsibilities.