Bio

St. Joseph's College (L.I.) Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Services Shantey Hill-Hanna announced the appointment of Cope to the position of director of intercollegiate athletics on July 1, 2020. Cope, who brings more than 16 years of experience in NCAA intercollegiate athletics administration will step in for Hill-Hanna, who remains at St. Joseph's College.

"Melody's work, commitment, and service to Intercollegiate Athletics over the years at all levels speaks for itself," stated Hill-Hanna. "We have been lucky enough to have her with us at SJC for the past four years and now look forward to her utilizing this experience coupled with her wisdom in leading the Golden Eagles into the future."

Cope joined St. Joseph's College (L.I.) in September of 2016 as the Associate Athletic Director for Operations and Community Programs. In that role, she worked closely with the Director of Athletics assuming many of the daily operational responsibilities. She developed and managed the online registration for community programs and camps as well as overseeing all responsibilities at the Outdoor Field Complex. Cope also served as the sport administrator for men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse, and women's volleyball.

During her 12-year tenure at Dowling College, she served in multiple capacities prior to being named Vice President for Athletics in 2013 until its closure in 2016. At Dowling, Cope was an appointed member of the President’s Cabinet where she was a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, Emergency Response Team, Administrative Task Force for Student Success, Behavioral Intervention, and the Judicial Board. She also served as Co-chair of the Dowling College Middle States Review Committee.

Cope was instrumental in the athletic department's gender equity review process, which led to the addition of women's soccer, women's lacrosse, women's field hockey, and men's cross country as NCAA sponsored varsity sports. She was responsible for organizing educational workshops geared to enhance the overall college experience of the student-athletes within the department as well as community engagement initiatives including Make-A-Wish, which raised over $15,000 annually and Keep Islip Clean (KIC) events.

Under her guidance, the Golden Lions made five NCAA Div. II Tournament appearances as well as capturing four ECC titles. Her department produced over 80 ECC All-Conference selections as well as 12 All-Americans, seven Scholar-Athletes, and six Coach of the Year recognitions.

In addition to her contributions at Dowling, Cope served on several ECC and NCAA committees, including the NCAA Div. II Membership and Regional Advisory Committees as well as a facilitator for the NCAA Career in Sports Forum.

Prior to Dowling College, Cope coached Division I softball at St. John's University (1999–2004) and at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (1991-1997). In 2014, she was inducted into the University of North Carolina Greensboro Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Cope received her M.A. in Physical Education from Gardner Webb University in 1991 and her B.A in Physical Education from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 1987.  While at UNCW, she was a member of the softball team.

A native of Fayetteville, NC, Cope currently resides in Oakdale, NY with her wife Deb and their son Tyler.