The invention discloses a composition consisting essentially of an E/X/M random copolymer wherein X is from 0.1 to 20 mol % of the E/X/M copolymer and is a 4-vinylphenyl ester, preferably 4-acetoxystyrene; M is from 0 to 40 mol % of the E/X/M copolymer and is one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers; and E is ethylene. The invention further encompasses a high pressure radical polymerization process for providing the novel polymers; and a base catalyzed transesterification process for conversion of the E/X/M copolymer to an E/Y/M copolymer wherein Y is derived from 4-hydroxystyrene. Another embodiment of the invention is a composition consisting essentially of an E/Y/M random copolymer wherein Y is greater than 1.0 to about 20 mol % of the E/Y/M copolymer and is 4-hydroxystyrene; M is from 0 to 40 mol % of the E/Y/M copolymer and is one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers; and E is ethylene.