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from the desk of
Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D.
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November 5, 2025
Dear Eagle Nation:
Coppin State University is preparing for its upcoming reaffirmation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a significant milestone that underscores our commitment to academic quality and institutional integrity. This process is not merely a compliance requirement; it is a rigorous evaluation of our mission, programs, and effectiveness in serving students.
Accreditation matters because it confirms that Coppin meets or exceeds nationally recognized standards of higher education, protects the credibility and recognition of Coppin degrees among employers and graduate institutions, secures eligibility for federal financial aid that is essential for the majority of our students, and demonstrates our dedication to continuous improvement and student success.
As part of this effort, we had the pleasure of hosting our Campus Accreditation Briefing on October 22, during which Dr. Brenda Allen, Team Chair, provided an overview of the reaffirmation process, outlined expectations for faculty, staff, and students. An on-site evaluation visit is scheduled for Spring 2026, with additional details to be shared as the date approaches. Every member of the Coppin community plays an integral role in this reaffirmation, and your engagement—whether through attending briefings, sharing insights, or demonstrating alignment with our mission—will help ensure a successful outcome. Together, we will affirm the strength of Coppin Pride and our unwavering commitment to excellence driven by our five strategic priorities:
- Become a University of Choice;
- Improve the holistic development and completion rates of our students;
- Strengthen our brand and reputation as a leader in urban higher education;
- Become a great university at which to work; and
- Enhance our teaching and research excellence
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Coppin State Partners with Maryland Bankers Association for Conversation on Credit Equity
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|  | bottom photo (left to right): Dr. Chanta Haywood, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs of Coppin State University; Ms. Tisha Edwards, President /CEO of Maryland Bankers Association; Mr. Antonio "Tony" Salazar, Commissioner of Financial Regulation at State of Maryland in the Department of Labor; Dr. Tammira Lucas, Interim Director of the Coppin State University Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship at a Community Conversation on Credit Equity in Maryland. | |
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In recognition of Economic Education Month, Coppin State University's Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship (CSE) partnered with the Maryland Bankers Association (MBA) to host A Community Conversation on Credit Equity in Maryland. The program brought together banking leaders, policymakers, educators, and community advocates to address one central question: how can we close Maryland's credit gap and expand fair access to financial opportunity? The conversation was particularly timely given the growing challenges college students face with credit and debit management, as many enter higher education without adequate financial literacy or access to fair credit products. More than 40% of college students lack adequate financial literacy knowledge and skills.
Antonio "Tony" Salazar, Commissioner of Financial Regulation for the State of Maryland and Chair of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the need for a financial system that is both accountable and inclusive. A panel moderated by Dr. Tammira Lucas, Interim Director of CSE and Venture Growth Advisor at TEDCO, featured Joel Gamble (JPMorgan Chase), Mwaura Muroki (The Harbor Bank of Maryland), Elisa Robin (Diamonds on the Rise, Inc.), and Karen Zuccardi (TEDCO), that explored practical steps to rebuild trust, design more inclusive credit products, and better serve communities that have historically been excluded.
At the heart of the discussion was a shared understanding that credit equity is not just about numbers—it is about dignity, mobility, and long-term opportunity. Despite credit being a critical foundation for economic success, it remains an underdiscussed topic among college students, leaving many vulnerable to long-term financial instability.
As an anchor institution in West Baltimore, Coppin State, through CSE is committed to convene partners, support entrepreneurs—especially founders of color and women—and champion policies and practices that move Maryland closer to a fair and inclusive financial future. Coppin is dedicated to educating our students about dismantling barriers in credit access, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with both knowledge and opportunity to build strong financial futures. We are grateful to MBA, our panelists, and The Annie E. Casey Foundation for their generous support of this important work.
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Daniel Parris, a senior psychology major, represented Coppin State University with a heartfelt testimonial at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) gala this past Saturday. He reflected on his journey as an HBCU student, sharing how a life-goals list he wrote during a difficult season in October 2021 ultimately paved the way for a Presidential Scholarship that fully funded his education just two months later. Parris will graduate in May completely debt-free. He emphasized the transformative impact of mentors and advocates, especially Marcus Edwards, who believed in him, opened doors, and championed his success. As a UNCF Student Ambassador for the 2025–2026 school year, Parris urged attendees to recognize the potential in students and invest in their futures, reminding the audience that such support can change lives and become the answer to a student’s unspoken prayers.
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Stories have a unique way of bringing us closer to each other and to ourselves. Help us share the incredible journey of transformation at Coppin State University. Let us highlight the amazing achievements of our students, faculty, and staff, and spread the word about the positive changes happening on our campus. Together, we can celebrate and inspire others with the excellence at Coppin State.
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Take care, be well, and Go Eagles!
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Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D.
President
Coppin State University
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