Copeland-Morgan to leave Syracuse University

Youlonda Copeland-Morgan has accepted a position at UCLA as associate vice chancellor for enrollment management. She has served as Syracuse University’s associate vice president for enrollment management and director of scholarships and student aid since April 2008. 

“I am honored to have been selected to lead the enrollment efforts at UCLA,” says Copeland-Morgan. “However, I will miss being a part of this incredibly engaged and inspiring community of scholars, students, administrators and staff. SU will always be special to me.” 

Known across campus for her dedication to students and strong working relationship with deans, faculty and staff, Copeland-Morgan’s leadership at SU has been transformational. Her focus on increasing access and support to students of all income levels can be seen in nationally recognized efforts that include the “I Otto Know This” financial literacy program; the “Syracuse Responds” campaign that helped support students/families during the 2008 financial crisis; and a carefully crafted structuring of all of financial aid policies to support SU’s admissions and retention goals. 

“Youlonda has been integral to our success in building on SU’s legacy as a place of access and opportunity,” says SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor. “She has brought to us not only profound insight into national financial aid issues, but profound wisdom in helping us recruit and retain increasingly strong students. We will miss her so much, but we take solace knowing that we will continue to find common cause with her in our shared commitment to American higher education’s critical public mission.” 

“While we are happy for Youlonda and David being able to rejoin their California families, we will surely miss them and their tremendous contributions to Syracuse,” says SU Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric F. Spina. “Youlonda made a very significant difference at SU during this critical time of great economic stress in the nation, and the financial aid policies, programs and processes that she put into place will serve as a lasting legacy that will create access and opportunity at SU for many coming generations.” 

Copeland-Morgan will remain with the University through mid-January of 2012. Prior to her departure, a transition plan will be created to guide the search for new leadership.