• Ph.D., School of Accountancy, University of Alabama, December 1987
• Master of Accountancy, University of Alabama, December 1983
• B.B.A., College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va., May 1979

• Professor, School of Accounting, James Madison University (2004 – present)
• Previously served on the faculty and as Director of the J.M. Tull School of Accounting at the University of Georgia (1987-2004)

Copley has authored six textbooks on governmental and not-for-profit accounting and served as Editor of Research in Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting, an academic journal publishing research on the reporting and auditing of governments and not-for-profit entities. 

Copley, P.A. and E.B. Douthett. 2009.  “Are Assurance Services Provided by Auditors on Initial Public Offerings Influenced by Market Conditions? “ Contemporary Accounting Research. 26 (Summer) 453-476.

Copley, P.A. and E.B. Douthett. 2002. "Simultaneous Estimation of the Supply and Demand of Auditor Reputation in the Market for Initial Public Offerings."  Contemporary Accounting Research 19: 49-76. 

Copley, P.A., J.J. Gaver, and K.M. Gaver 1995. "Simultaneous Estimation of the Supply and Demand of Differentiated Audits:  Evidence from the Municipal Market." Journal of Accounting Research 23(Spring): 137-155.

Copley, P.A., M.S. Doucet and K.M. Gaver 1994. "A Simultaneous Equations Analysis of Quality Review Outcomes and Engagement Fees for Audits of Recipients of Federal Financial Assistance." The Accounting Review 69(January): 244-256.

• 2016 Educator Award, Association of Government Accountants - National Organization - July 18, 2016
• 2016 Educator Award, Association of Government Accountants - Washington DC Chapter - March 15, 2016