During her three-decade tenure at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Stella Cocoris established a legacy as a visionary builder. She served as Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Services and University Registrar, and, through her efforts, she contributed to UAB’s unprecedented growth and introduced new strategies and tools that continue to support enrollment efforts and student success to this day. Her dedication—and innovative ideas—permeated the university, impacting staff and students alike.
“So much of what we take for granted today at UAB, a structure for student recruitment and admissions, best practice in strategic enrollment management, policies and initiatives focused on student success and support, a robust student information system, this list goes on, would not exist without Stella’s vision and passion for students,” said Chenise Ryan, former Executive Director of Enrollment Operations and UAB alumna.
Sadly, Cocoris passed away in 2021. Given her unwavering dedication to UAB throughout most of her life, many of her friends, family members, and colleagues wanted to find a way to honor her (and also support future students). To do so, they established the Stella Cocoris Endowed Memorial Scholarship, which aims to support students pursuing degrees in the arts, humanities, and/or social sciences, with preference being given to first-generation, underrepresented, and Pell eligible students pursing an English major.
“Stella was an ideal mentor - not because she told people what they wanted to hear - but because she challenged people to be their better selves, realize their potential, and use their abilities for the greater good of society,” said Nate Wade, UAB alumnus and Assistant Vice President for ASU Health and Research and Assistant Professor in the College of Health Solutions. As of May 1, 2024, Wade will be Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff for the Office of the Chief Operating Officer at ASU and will continue his Research Assistant Professor faculty appointment. “Words can’t express my gratitude and appreciation for all that Stella did for me and the other countless lives she touched.”
Recognizing that Cocoris made an impact on so many people, Wade, Ryan, and others have created an opportunity for anyone to donate to the scholarship fund. If you would like to contribute to the fund, you can do so here.
The College of Arts and Sciences is deeply grateful for Cocoris’ contributions to the UAB community and greatly appreciates the new scholarship which will assist our students for years to come.
