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from the desk of
Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D.
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August 26, 2026
Welcome Back, Eagle Nation!
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President Anthony L. Jenkins welcomes students, faculty, and staff back for the 2026–27 academic year and shares a message of pride, progress, and One Coppin.
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As we begin the 2026–27 academic year, I am filled with pride and optimism about Coppin State University’s continued progress. Our momentum is visible across every area of the university, from record enrollment and growing national recognition to academic innovation, groundbreaking research, and continued investment in the student experience.
This fall, we are welcoming the largest incoming class in Coppin State University’s history. More than 1,500 first-year and transfer students are joining Eagle Nation, representing more than 36 states, the District of Columbia, and 12 countries. The growth is led by first-year enrollment, which increased from 773 students in Fall 2025 to 1,241 in Fall 2026, a 61% year-over-year increase. Transfer enrollment increased from 254 to 287 students, a 13% increase. Coppin also continues to see record growth among its male students, increasing 42% over Fall 2025, and an increase of 74% in male enrollment since 2021; thus, Coppin remains Maryland’s number one HBCU and one of the state’s top universities for male enrollment growth.
Our enrollment growth is only one part of Coppin’s remarkable story. We received more than 24,000 applications for Fall 2026, reaffirmed our accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education with no follow-up reporting requirements, and earned international recognition through the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Innovation in Accessibility. Our faculty continue to advance research that addresses pressing environmental health, public health, and social justice challenges, while our students distinguish themselves through academic achievement, service, innovation, and leadership.
We are also expanding opportunities for students through career-focused academic programs, workforce partnerships, hands-on research, internships, clinical experiences, and stackable credentials. By thoughtfully integrating artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies into teaching and learning, we are preparing our students to lead in a rapidly changing world.
The fall semester will bring even more opportunities to celebrate Coppin’s progress. We will welcome alumna and NBA broadcasting trailblazer Stephanie Ready ’98 as our Convocation keynote speaker, open a new dental care clinic that will expand health services and experiential learning, and continue preparing Thurgood Marshall Hall for its January 2027 opening. We will also deepen our commitment to affordability, student success, alumni engagement, and community impact.
Each of these accomplishments reflects the dedication of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners, and friends. Together, we are strengthening our university, expanding Eagle Nation, and building a future worthy of Coppin’s proud legacy.
As we enter this new academic year, I encourage every member of our community to remain connected, engaged, and committed to our shared purpose. Our progress belongs to all of us, and through the spirit of One Coppin, we will continue turning momentum into meaningful and lasting impact.
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| Coppin State Earns Reaffirmation of Accreditation
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Grace Jacobs Building on the Coppin State University campus during the fall semester.
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Coppin State University has earned reaffirmation of accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, with no follow-up reporting requirements. The decision affirms our academic quality, institutional strength, and commitment to student success.
“The self-study required us to examine every area of the university with honesty, discipline, and a shared commitment to improvement,” said Chanta M. Haywood, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. “What emerged was a clear picture of a university deeply aligned around academic excellence and student success.”
This milestone strengthens the foundation upon which we will continue to advance Coppin’s academic mission, support our students, and build for the future.
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Investing in the Future of the Eagle Experience
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President Anthony L. Jenkins tours construction of Coppin State University’s new residence hall
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Progress continues on Coppin State University’s new residence hall, scheduled to open in January 2027.
I recently toured the facility to see that progress firsthand. The new residence hall represents more than an investment in our physical campus. It reflects our commitment to creating an environment where our students can live, learn and thrive.
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Coppin Welcomes Eagles Back During Move-In Weekend
Coppin State University welcomed new and returning students during Move-In Weekend, marking the beginning of the 2026–27 academic year and a new chapter for Eagles and their families.
First Lady Toinette Jenkins and I joined staff, student leaders, and volunteers in greeting families, visiting residence halls, and helping students settle into their new homes. This year’s celebration was especially significant as Coppin welcomed the largest incoming class in university history.
The weekend reflected the spirit of One Coppin as our university community came together to create a welcoming and memorable experience for our students and families.
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The Eagles Land on Martha’s Vineyard
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Coppin State University leadership, alumni, and supporters gather during HBCU Week on Martha’s Vineyard
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Coppin State University brought Eagle Nation to Martha’s Vineyard during HBCU Week, August 2–8, 2026, for an unforgettable celebration of connection, community, and Coppin pride.
Alumni, partners, and friends gathered to celebrate Coppin’s renaissance, including record enrollment growth, innovation in the classroom, expanded credentials, and research preparing students to lead in a rapidly changing world.
The gathering reflected our commitment to expanding Eagle Nation by strengthening alumni engagement, cultivating meaningful partnerships, and creating new opportunities for our students.
Read More →
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More Coppin News
University Day Reaffirms Commitment to Excellence and Strategic Growth
Faculty, staff, and university leaders gathered for Coppin State University’s annual University Day celebration under the theme “From Momentum to Method.” The event celebrated institutional achievements, recognized faculty members who earned tenure and promotion, and focused the campus community on collaboration, accountability, and student success during the year ahead.
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Coppin Research Advances Environmental Health and Community Impact
A newly published study by Coppin researchers Johnny Rice II, Ph.D., and Mercy N. Shenge, Ph.D., demonstrates how hands-on, student-led research can prepare future leaders to address environmental justice and public health challenges. The research also highlights the important role HBCUs play in advancing community-engaged scholarship.
Read the Full Story →
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In Case You Missed It
President Jenkins Discusses Affordability, Growth, and Baltimore on WJZ
I recently joined WJZ | CBS News Baltimore for its Campus Connection segment to discuss how Coppin is keeping college affordable, expanding its national profile, and strengthening its investment in Baltimore.
The conversation highlighted how Coppin continues to grow while remaining anchored in our mission of providing access, opportunity, and a high-quality education to the students and communities we serve.
Watch the Interview →
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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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