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from the desk of
Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D.
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November 11, 2025
Dear Eagle Nation:
As we observe Veterans Day, I am reminded of the profound privilege of serving both our nation and our students. My own military service taught me lessons about leadership, dedication, and the power of commitment to something greater than ourselves—principles that continue to guide my work as your president.
I am honored to be among fewer than a dozen sitting college and university presidents nationwide who have worn our nation's uniform. This unique perspective deepens my appreciation for the sacrifice and service of our veterans, and it inspired me to establish a tradition that I hold especially dear: the commissioning of ROTC cadets during our commencement ceremonies.
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Cadet commisioning at 2025 Commencement
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2nd Lieutenant Amauchechukwu Nwosu presenting Dr. Jenkins with the Silver Coin Salute at 2025 Commencement
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Watching our graduates receive their commissions as they embark on careers of military service represents the convergence of two profound commitments—to education and to country. It is a powerful reminder that Coppin State University not only prepares leaders for their communities but also for service to our nation. Our cadets volunteer to protect the rights and freedoms that make our nation so great, for their sacrifice we shall be grateful.
Our commitment to those who serve extends beyond ceremony. I am proud that we have opened the Military-Connected Student Support Services Office in the Eagle Achievement Center, ensuring that our student veterans and their families have dedicated resources and support as they pursue their educational goals. This office stands as a testament to our ongoing commitment to those who have answered the call to serve.
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ROTC Cadets at Veteran's Day Celebration 2024
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Thank you to our student veterans, faculty and staff who have served, and all members of our extended Coppin family with connections to the military. Your service embodies the excellence and dedication that define our institution.
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Coppin State University Makes History with Inaugural #GOALS Event
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Coppin State University and the College of Health Professions made history last week as the first non-medical, non-dental school in the nation to host Go Out and Love Science (#GOALS), welcoming more than 250 Baltimore middle school students to explore healthcare careers through hands-on activities.
The November 5 event at Coppin State's campus brought together students from North Bend Elementary/Middle School and St. Ignatius Loyola Academy for a day of interactive learning that showcased the exciting possibilities in medicine and science.
The collaboration with Ascension Saint Agnes and the Ascension Foundation marks a significant milestone for the College of Health Professions, Department of Natural Sciences, and Coppin. Previously, Meharry Medical College and Wayne State University School of Medicine hosted the national #GOALS events.
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Throughout the day, sixth, seventh, and eighth graders rotated through six interactive stations, learning to suture wounds, practicing CPR at a "CPR dance party," and participating in other activities designed to demystify healthcare careers. More than 100 volunteers from Ascension Saint Agnes, Coppin State University and the University of Maryland Medical School guided the students and shared their career journeys.
"Events like #GOALS are vital to introducing young students to the breadth of opportunities in healthcare," said Dr. Joan Tilghman, dean of Coppin State's College of Health Professions. "When students can see themselves in the faces of our health care professionals and experience firsthand what these careers entail, it plants seeds of possibility that can transform their futures and strengthen our healthcare system."
The event addressed a critical need in Maryland, where healthcare workforce shortages continue to challenge the state's medical system. By engaging middle school students at a pivotal point in their education, organizers hope to inspire the next generation of diverse healthcare professionals. Staff, faculty, and students from all programs in the College of Health Professions, and the Department of Natural Sciences participated as volunteers.
Coppin's nursing, health information management, health sciences, and natural sciences programs provide students with education and training to enter the healthcare workforce or pursue advanced study in medical or graduate school.
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Micah Smith, a double major in Accounting and Business Management, was selected to participate in the Albrecht Fellowship—an achievement that opened new doors to international business opportunities.
Smith's journey began with encouragement from Dr. Tammira Lucas, Assistant Professor, College of Business. "Her enthusiasm for the program was infectious," Smith said. "Once I caught the bug, I ran with it."
The Fellowship delivered a particularly valuable insight: "Building your professional network is just as important as your professional experience." Combined with exposure to international business, this expanded Smith's vision for the future. "The Albrecht Fellowship allowed me to learn that regardless of my major, a future in international business is possible," he explained.
Smith strengthened essential skills in networking, communication, and collaboration throughout the program—abilities he plans to leverage in searching for internships and advancing his career. He credits Coppin with developing his critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, while acknowledging his parents' unwavering support in providing transportation to fellowship events throughout Baltimore.
"As a student leader at Coppin, I consistently strive to make an impact upon my instructors and peers by leading by example and through service," Smith said. "To be recognized for doing so means that the method is, in fact, working."
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Coppin State Strategic Priorities in Action
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Ms. Hillary Bain, Academic Outreach Coordinator in the Eagle Achievement Center, exemplifies Coppin State University's commitment to improving the holistic development and completion rate of students—a key institutional strategic priority.
Through active engagement and connecting students with essential university services, Ms. Bain helps guide them through the complexities of college life. She understands that collaboration and relationship building are fundamental to student success at Coppin. Such leadership and collaboration has contributed to Coppin reaching its current historic retention rate, 75%.
"My colleagues and I foster academic support by creating different workshops on subjects such as scholarships and outside aid, study skills, and peer mentoring," Ms. Bain explains. "We provide life coaching to students to assist them in reaching their personal academic goals." Ms. Bain encourages the broader campus community to join this important work by "being ready and available…by being more transparent and forthcoming in some of the university processes, and by going the extra mile to be more customer service friendly.
With dedicated professionals like Ms. Bain, Coppin State University continues to strengthen the student experience and advance its mission of student success.
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Dr. Jamal Uddin, Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Natural Sciences, and research lead at the Center for Nanotechnology, exemplifies Coppin State University's commitment to enhancing teaching and research excellence—a cornerstone of the institution's strategic priorities.
Through his innovative work, Dr. Uddin positions Coppin as a leader in scientific innovation and community engagement while nurturing the next generation of nanotechnology researchers.
"In my role as a faculty member and research lead at the Center for Nanotechnology, I contribute to Coppin's academic mission by integrating research with education to create transformative learning experiences," Dr. Uddin explains. "I mentor students at the graduate, undergraduate, and high school levels in applied research projects spanning nanomaterials, renewable energy, and biomedical technologies. By bridging theoretical instruction with experiential learning in the laboratory, I equip students with the skills and knowledge to address real-world scientific challenges."
Dr. Uddin invites the campus community to join this critical work by "integrating research-based learning into the curriculum, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, and mentoring students through inquiry-driven projects." He also encourages collaboration through "co-developing grant proposals, co-mentoring student researchers, and supporting STEM outreach efforts that extend the impact of our work into the broader community."
Through the dedication of scholars like Dr. Uddin, Coppin State University continues to advance its mission of academic excellence and innovation.
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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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