FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis welcomes Reba Copeland as Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
Copeland previously served as associate vice president for college advancement at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, where she provided leadership for development and alumni engagement staff. She moved into the associate vice president role after serving as an advancement officer and director of advancement. She began her position at Saint Francis on Jan. 6.
“Reba Copeland brings an impressive track record of success in capital campaigns and annual giving campaigns, along with an ability to authentically connect with people who value and support Catholic higher education,” Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey said. “In her short time on campus, we see her enthusiasm and passion for our mission, and we look forward to her leadership in Saint Francis Institutional Advancement.”
“I am honored to join the University of Saint Francis and look forward to working with President Richey, university leadership, faculty, staff, alumni and friends,” Copeland said. “It is a joy and privilege to be able to serve a university with a bold mission and clear strategic plan. I am excited to help advance the future of Saint Francis and honor its history of academic excellence.”
Copeland holds a master’s degree from Marquette University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Prior to her work with the College of St. Scholastica, she served as director of annual giving for Marshall School and a communication specialist with the UMN Foundation. Among her honors, she was recognized as an Almabase 50 under 50 Advancement Professional.
Among many volunteer roles, Copeland served on the Greater Denfeld Foundation Board of Directors and as Holy Family Catholic Church Campaign co-chair.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 20 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 1,800 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.