2023-2024
Year in Review
There is no denying that the 2023/2024 academic year was unprecedented. Every week, our amazing students and faculty wrote new chapters of excellence. Our faculty pioneered innovative research and received accolades for their transformative teaching. Our students received distinguished national awards and fellowships. And our volleyball team crushed it — 2024 MEAC champions.
Thanks to corporate partners, alumni, community leaders, and alumni, we saw a groundswell in fundraising. And our pride grows with every commencement ceremony. Commencement 2024 was no different. Over 350 Eagles took flight into their future.
Take a look at some stories that shaped this year.
How the Year began
Roughly 600 first-year, transfer, and returning residential Eagles descended on Coppin’s campus in August eager to embark on an exciting new adventure.
TRANSFORMATION
Coppin State launches $25 million “BE MORE” Capital Campaign
Coppin State University’s President Anthony L. Jenkins has announced the largest capital campaign in its history. The “BE MORE” campaign, a $25 million initiative to fund student enrollment and achievement, invest in academics and research, support athletics, and foster institutional sustainability.
Aligned with trailblazer and namesake Fanny Jackson Coppin’s deep conviction that she was entrusted to ensure her race was “crowned with strength and dignity and adorned with the enduring grace of intellectual attainments”, the “BE MORE” campaign will profoundly transform the university and its surrounding communities.
New $48.5 mil College of Business Opened October 19, 2023
The College of Business is the first new building to open at Coppin State since 2015, and features state-of the art classrooms and a modern design that will help enhance student learning. Classroom spaces include executive conference rooms, consumer education and small business resource centers, an entertainment production studio, and entertainment industry laboratory.
College of Business Received a Commissioned Sculpture
Located at the corner of Warwick and West North Avenue in Baltimore City, is now home to the latest addition to the State of Maryland’s public art collection. The sculpture, titled "Community of Stars," and created through the Artwork Commissions program of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), was unveiled in a dedication ceremony on February 22.
Artist Nnamdi Okonkwo created the large-scale bronze “Community of Stars” to symbolize the students as stars shining light on the Coppin community, as well as their journey beyond graduation.
Social Work Students Participated in Mental Health Fellowship
Five Coppin State University students participated in a fellowship through the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work Center for Restorative Change, that provided them with financial support as they trained as school-based mental health service providers in high-need schools across Central Maryland.
The fellowship is supported by a $5.5 Million grant from the Department of Education, and supported diverse social work students from Coppin State University, University of Maryland Baltimore, and University of Maryland Baltimore County - all University System of Maryland institutions.
Coppin State University students participating in the initiative are:
- Jasmine Dilworth ('24)
- Jaela Morris ('24)
- Faith Rogers ('24)
- Krishna Smith ('24)
- XavionnahC Wallace ('24)
INNOVATION
Development Authority Announces $11 Million for Major Funding for Redevelopment in West Baltimore
Funding to Support Transformational Revitalization Projects and Initiatives Along West North Ave. Corridor
Governor Wes Moore, State Senator Antonio Hayes (D-Baltimore City, District 40), and Delegate Marlon Amprey (D-Baltimore City, District 40) announced $11.4 million in state funds to the West North Avenue Development Authority, to support revitalization efforts in West Baltimore. They were joined by WNADA Chair, Coppin State University President, Anthony L. Jenkins, WNADA Executive Director, Chad Williams, and Secretary of Housing & Community Development, Jacob R. Day.
“I believe in West Baltimore and the West North Avenue Development Authority – that’s why I worked with the General Assembly to secure over $11 million in this year’s budget for this important partnership between state government and the community,” said Governor Moore. “It takes real partnership to get something like this done — and I know that this funding is going to help revitalize communities, help renew a sense of possibility in these neighborhoods; and help write a new chapter in the story of our state.”
WNADA, chaired by the President of Coppin State University, brings together state, local, and community partners to support the development and approval a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy for the West North Avenue Corridor.
Coppin Hosted 2024 Economic Inclusion Conference
Under the direction of Dr. Ron Williams, Coppin State University’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship (CSE) proudly hosted the 2024 Economic Inclusion Conference at Coppin on Thursday, April 25. This vibrant event, themed "Youth Entrepreneurship: Pathways to Economic Empowerment," provided a dynamic platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to engage with seasoned veterans in the field.
Coppin State Attends American Chemical Society Conference
During the American Chemical Society conference held in New Orleans, Louisiana from March 17-21, 2024, Ms. Tochi Iwuji, a dedicated Biology student, showcased her research on "Investigation of Thermal & Rheological Properties of PDMS for Medical Device Application" accompanied by Dr. Hany Sobhi. Additionally, Dr. Tulio Chavez-Gil participated in the conference as a facilitator for various sessions, contributing his expertise to the advancement of chemical sciences.
EAGLE ACHIEVEMENTS
Two Rising Seniors Named 2023 White House HBCU Scholars
Annalyse Belton (’24) of Trinidad and Tobago, and Tori Haynes-Harrison (’24), of Philadelphia, PA, as 2023 White House HBCU Scholars by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Belton and Haynes-Harrison are both rising seniors and want to address gaps and disparities they have witnessed in the fields of health and education.
“Our Eagles chosen to represent Coppin State University as White House HBCU Scholars are thought leaders committed to using their intellect, curiosity and knowledge to change the world for the better,” said Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins. “Annalyse and Tori are truly deserving of this prestigious honor. They set the bar for personal and academic excellence, and I have every confidence they will use this experience to continue uplifting our campus and the global community we share.”
SGA President Appointed to Maryland Higher Education Commission Student Advisory Council
Congratulations to Mykayla Davis (’24), who will represent Coppin State University on the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Student Advisory Council. Mykayla is the Coppin State University Student Government Association president for the 2023-2024 academic year. The Student Advisory Council, created in 1988, advises MHEC on the concerns, perspectives, and experiences of students attending colleges and universities in Maryland, and works to find new approaches to address concerns.
College of Health Professions Names Two Interim Chairpersons
The College of Health Professions begins the new academic year with new interim chairpersons.
Associate Professor Lori Harvin, DNP (‘98) is the Interim Chairperson for Baccalaureate Nursing Education. Dr. Harvin is licensed as a Registered Nurse in Maryland and has over twenty years of experience caring for clients with multiple comorbidities. Dr. Harvin is committed to doing her part in eliminating health disparities through providing care in underserved communities and educating future nurses who can contend with the conditions of healthcare delivery and become catalysts of change.
Assistant Professor Yolanda Savoy, Ed.D., is the interim Chairperson for the Health and Health Education Department. Dr. Savoy has served as the Program Coordinator for the Health and Health Education Program. Before joining Coppin State, she spearheaded health programs for marginalized and underrepresented communities in Richmond, Virginia.
Interim Chairperson for Department of Social Work
Associate Professor Melissa Buckley, Ph.D. is now Interim Chair for the Department of Social Work. Dr. Buckley's area of research covers trauma informed care which includes the impact of fatherlessness on Black women. Dr. Buckley serves as chair of the Healing City Baltimore executive committee. Dr. Buckley is committed through community action and research to alleviating barriers to social empowerment. In addition to being a professor, researcher and community activist, Dr. Buckley is a therapist and fitness coach and views health and wellness as essential to healing.
Coppin Faculty Secures Prestigious Placement Among Top 200 Black Academic Economists in the United States
Dr. Emmanuel Anoruo, Professor of Economics and Finance has earned the remarkable distinction of being ranked 37 among the top 200 Black Academic Economists in the United States. His academic journey is underscored by the attainment of a Ph.D. in Economics and an MBA degree in finance. Additionally, he has a diploma in Bank Management Skills and Theory from the esteemed American Institute of Banking, further accentuating his expertise in the field.
2024 USM Regents Faculty Awards
The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents chose three Coppin State University faculty members for their outstanding achievements. These awards represent the highest recognition bestowed by the Board to honor exemplary faculty accomplishments. Annually, awards were presented in five categories: mentoring, teaching, public service, scholarship or research, and creative activity. Dr. Wyletta Gamble Lomax was acknowledged for her Excellence in Teaching, Dr. Ron Williams for Excellence in Public Service, and Mr. Michael Klima for Excellence in Creative Activity.
Coppin State Faculty Member Appointed by Gov. Moore
Ericka Covington, D.B.A., Associate Professor and Dean of Graduate Studies was appointed by Gov. Moore to serve on the Board of the Maryland Public-Private Partnership Marketing Corporation. Dr. Covington's confirmation was voted on by the Senate Executive Nominations Committee, led by Senator Antonio Hayes on March 25.
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES
Coppin Golf Classic Raises $100,000 to Support Student Athletes
Coppin State University raised $100,000 to support the needs and development of Coppin State student athletes, during the 20th Coppin Golf Classic, held September 20, at Greystone Golf Course, in White Hall, MD. The Coppin Golf classic met its $100,000 fundraising goal for 2023, and surpassed the amount raised during the 2022 Coppin Golf Classic.
“We appreciate the alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Coppin State University for celebrating another milestone with us for the Coppin Golf Classic,” said Anthony L. Jenkins, president of Coppin State University. “Their generosity, and commitment allow us to strengthen support for our student-athletes as they continue to excel in competition and in their academic pursuits. With their unwavering support, Coppin will remain a university where scholars and champions are made."
Coppin State student athletes lead the MEAC with an 89 percent graduation success rate.
$400,000 Raised During 2nd Coppin State University Gala
Over 750 guests were treated to an incredible display of elegance and generosity at the second annual gala hosted by Coppin State University. The event at the prestigious Baltimore Marriott Waterfront surpassed all expectations, raising record-breaking support from alumni, faculty members, philanthropists, community leaders, and friends.
The culmination of the gala is the $400,000 raised, which will underwrite scholars throughout their educational journey and equip them with tools and experiences needed to prepare them for the workforce, and life, including scholarships, internships, and study abroad opportunities, enhanced academic programming, and research funding. Funds raised will also support Coppin State athletics and community outreach efforts.
CSU IN THE MEDIA
This year, the HBCU summer internship, sponsored by the Police Executive Research Forum, program has expanded beyond the pilot partnership between Coppin State University and the Baltimore Police Department. Criminal justice major Sam Mensuphu-Bey ('23), from Baltimore, spent his summer working with the Baltimore County Police Department. He hopes his experience will inspire others and help change the conversation around policing.
Coppin State University Featured During Maryland HBCU Week
Maryland Public Television is celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with programming that showcases the HBCU experience, and highlights the contribution of these institutions to Maryland, and our nation.
Maryland HBCU Week programming will air through September 10.
"What's New at Your HBCU" will air Friday, September 8, 2023 at 7 p.m. Host Jeff Salkin interviewed President Anthony Jenkins about the great transformation underway at Coppin State, our new additions to campus, and plans for the future.
Maryland HBCU Week also spotlights the Eagle Achievement Center. Maryland Public Television spoke with Associate Vice President for Student Development and Achievement, James Stewart, Ph.D., and Rondrell Wright ('25) speak about the new space and how the comprehensive, holistic approach to student success is making a difference.