On Feb. 26, Fairleigh Dickinson University announced that they would be appointing Colleen Coppla as their new Senior Vice President for University Advancement. The appointment will officially be put into place on Apr. 9.
With over two decades of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, Coppla brings a wide set of skills to her new position. Coppla previously attended FDU and even held a position as the school’s Associate Vice President for University Advancement. More recently, however, she served as the Chief Development Officer for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. During her time holding that job, Coppla was required to oversee all development operations, such as principal gifts, major gifts, relations between corporate and the foundation, annual giving, planned giving and special events.
“I am excited to return to Fairleigh Dickinson University and contribute to its continued momentum and success under President Avaltroni,” said Colleen Coppla. “FDU has a special place in the higher education landscape, and it has helped transform the lives of countless individuals, including myself. I look forward to engaging alumni and friends of the University and inspiring support for its future growth and development.”
Coppla’s experience working in higher education goes far beyond FDU, having held leadership positions in several other universities. Coppla spent time at another New Jersey institution, Montclair State University, serving as the school’s Vice President for Development. During her time at Montclair State, Coppla helped the school reach and even exceed its $82 million campaign goal. Also during her tenure, she oversaw the Montclair State Foundation and its $100 million endowment.
Coppla also held the position of Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Florida Atlantic University. While there, she directed fundraising efforts for the Jupiter Campus.
“We are thrilled to welcome Colleen back to her alma mater and to support her leadership in University Advancement,” said FDU President Michael J. Avaltroni. “Her exceptional knowledge and experience in development in non-profit and higher education institutions as well as her familiarity with FDU and the New Jersey landscape will be pivotal in securing philanthropic support for FDU and ensuring our continued growth and success.”
Coppla has spent over a decade at FDU, holding a variety of different roles within the institution over that span. She brings a great sense of value to the role already having a wide knowledge of the school, but can also apply all the information that she has learned through her time at other schools.