Joining the OSU English Department in 1972 as an Assistant Professor, Peter Copek helped to found the Humanities Development Program in 1975 and wrote the NEH Grant that established the Center for the Humanities in 1984. Copek served as Director of the Humanities Development Program and, later, also headed the Center when the mission and framework of the Program was absorbed by that of the newly formed Center. Specializing in the study of British literature and film, Copek also created and managed the International Film Series as Center Director. He died in 2001.