Benny Ray Copeland (’59 M.B.A.), 88, Corsicana, Professor Emeritus of accounting and one of the founding faculty members who built the national reputation of UNT’s accounting program, died June 27. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University, a master’s degree from UNT and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.

He taught full-time at what is now the G. Brint Ryan College of Business from 1963 to 1994 and wrote numerous articles and books on accounting and business. During his time at UNT, he served as a Regents Professor, devoting at least half of his teaching to introductory courses; received a Special Recognition Award in 1987 for outstanding service to the university; and received the President’s Council University Teaching Award for 1993-94. He also helped develop accounting courses, including computing courses for accounting majors, and served as director of professional programs in accounting.

For the university’s 100th year in 1990, he chaired the business college’s Centennial History Committee, which wrote a history of the college. He was serving as a teaching fellow when what was then the School of Business Administration was preparing for its 1960 move to the new Business Building (now Sage Hall).

After retirement, he moved to Corsicana to enjoy fishing and spending time with his grandson. His wife, Kathryn “Kathy” Copeland, died July 13.