By Jaidyn Steinbrecher
Two years ago, Susquehanna University eliminated 24 faculty and staff positions. Many were left unemployed, particularly in student life. One of those familiar faces was Karla Procopio—who, fortunately, was rehired as assistant director of leadership and engagement. Today, she remains a proud and passionate member of the Susquehanna community.
Procopio was born and raised in Shamokin, Pennsylvania. She lived with both parents in a small half-double home, where she grew close to her two siblings. Though the three were enrolled in a private Catholic school, Procopio said it wasn’t quite the right fit for her.
“I used to leave at lunch time,” Procopio said. “And the nuns would have to call my mom to tell her that I had left again.”
After transferring to and graduating from Shamokin High School, she was accepted to Bloomsburg University. However, she dropped out not long after to work in retail while figuring out her next steps. Eventually, she returned to Bloomsburg as an education major—but dropped out again.
“Why quit once when you can quit twice?” Procopio said with a laugh, smile lines stretching across her face.
During this second break from school, she pursued a career in education. She worked at a preschool and daycare as an assistant. Although she enjoyed working with young children, she always preferred engaging with college-aged adults.
At 22, Procopio married. A year later, she had the first of three children. She stayed home for a few years before joining Head Start, a government program that provides education, health and social services to families with young children.
While at Head Start, Procopio discovered her passion for education—and, thinking she could outperform some of the teachers she worked with—she returned to Bloomsburg for the final time. She graduated at age 40.
After graduation, she worked at a public library in Union County, then moved on to Lycoming College’s academic library, where she served as head of interlibrary loan for seven years. She later joined the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU), which focuses on advancing educational innovation.
While at CSIU, she met Jennifer Spotts, who would later begin working in human resources at Susquehanna University. As Procopio’s grant at CSIU came to an end, she learned of a new student space at Susquehanna—now known as the Hawk Hub.
Excited by the chance to return to higher education, Procopio applied—and quickly became a central figure in the campus community. So central, in fact, that when her position was eliminated, student outrage followed. A petition to bring her back gained traction.
“I just felt so appreciated,” Procopio said, referring to the students who rallied for her return.
“I’ve never seen students gravitate so much towards a person,” said Frank Crofchik, then newly promoted to director of leadership and engagement. His promotion left an open position in the Office of Leadership and Engagement, or OLE. “An opportunity opened up, and I knew [Karla] would be perfect for the job.”
For most of the 2023–24 academic year, Crofchik and Procopio “became this wonderful two-punch combo,” he said, both working to promote the importance of student life outside the classroom.
Once she rejoined the office, Procopio launched an outreach campaign to better connect OLE with other offices across campus. She cites this initiative as her proudest accomplishment—especially the connections she built with Student Financial Services.
Presence, the university’s former platform for clubs and organizations, “wasn’t very transparent,” Procopio said, referring to how clubs managed their finances.
Although the new MyNest and Campus Groups platforms are still developing, Procopio—with help from Crofchik and SFS—has helped create a more transparent financial process for clubs and organizations.
Today, Procopio spends much of her time helping faculty, staff, students and clubs learn about the new systems. She also approves—and sometimes must deny—event and club requests through Campus Groups.
In the previous system, events could fall into a sort of “limbo,” often getting lost or ignored. Procopio works hard to make sure all campus organizations are heard.
“I’m not the kind of person to say, ‘I don’t know,’” she said. “I will find out for you, and I will get you the answer.”
One of the more difficult aspects of her role is turning down “such big and great ideas” students have for events. This is particularly relevant to her work with the Student Activities Committee, or SAC.
“I try not to influence [the students] much when planning [the events],” Procopio said. “I want them to be student-led.”
But sometimes she has to step in—often due to budgeting concerns or event overlap. Whether it’s two events at the same time or too similar in theme, she makes sure each student group gets the space they need.
Beyond OLE and SAC, Procopio is deeply involved with multiple offices and student organizations. In addition to SFS, she has expanded partnerships with Marketing and Communications, Event Management Services, Charlie’s Coffeehouse, Athletics, the library—and, of course, the Hawk Hub.
She also advises several clubs, including the Commuter Student Organization and River Queens.
Sophia Lozada-Delzell, Class of 2027, met Procopio during her sophomore year when trying to get River Queens recognized by the Student Government Association.
“My first impression of Karla was that she was very energetic and full of life,” Lozada-Delzell said. “You can tell she really enjoys what she’s doing.”
Procopio’s energy fills the room, even on gloomy days. Lozada-Delzell credits her with helping her become a better student leader, particularly in learning to work with people she doesn’t always agree with. Now the senior intern for OLE, Lozada-Delzell manages clubs of all kinds— “even the ones I don’t like,” she said.
Procopio is passionate about developing student leadership, especially among younger students.
“Leadership means being comfortable,” she said. “Good leaders are approachable.”
She encourages students not just to step out of their comfort zones but to “get out of your silo,” she added with a laugh. As she speaks, she plays with the rings on both hands, never keeping them still for long.
Kyra Keenan, Class of 2026 and current SGA president, also first met Procopio in her sophomore year as SGA’s first communications chair.
“[Karla] is just so enthusiastic, and you can tell she really cares about the students,” Keenan said. “She’s one of those people you just want to be around.”
Keenan said Procopio helped her grow as a leader—especially in building relationships outside her usual circle.
When asked how students can get more involved on campus, Procopio laughed before saying, “A. Come talk to me!”
She is often described as “one of the best people to talk to,” according to both Keenan and Lozada-Delzell. Both said it’s difficult to pick a favorite memory because they’ve enjoyed every conversation with her.
Still, Procopio can’t reach everyone—hence one of her newest initiatives: revitalizing the Happenings at SU newsletter, now called The Happenings Newsletter. The updated version, tied to MyNest, includes weekly lists of club events, meetings and fundraisers.
“If you don’t know what to do, check [Happenings] out!” she said enthusiastically.
Happenings isn’t the only change this academic year. Deg and Mellon Lounge were renovated, and OLE was completely relocated and redesigned.
Procopio’s new office—though lacking a window, which she misses—still carries the warmth of her previous space. Thank-you cards, keepsakes and campus memorabilia fill the room. T-shirts from River Queens’ drag shows, posters from Charlie’s events, and scribbled notes cover every surface.
While she misses the sunlight, Procopio brings brightness to the space just by being there.
Karla Procopio isn’t just a friendly face in OLE and SAC—she’s a vital part of the Susquehanna community. She bridges gaps between staff and students, offices and clubs, academics and campus life. She is Susquehanna’s unsung Superwoman—and it’s easy to understand why her departure once sparked such an outcry.
Luckily for Susquehanna, it seems Procopio will be around for as long as she’s able.
Want to learn more about her? “My door is always open,” she said.