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 from the desk of
Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D.
March 07, 2023

Dear Eagle Nation: 
March is Women's History Month, a time to reflect upon and celebrate the achievements and contributions of outstanding women in our history, and in our every day lives.
The theme for Women's History Month in 2023 is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our StoriesCoppin State University is one of two historically Black institutions named after women pioneers, whose legacies have endured for generations.
Fanny Jackson Coppin was a teacher, principal, and missionary born into slavery, whose freedom was puchased by a family member. Coppin valued education, and understood the freedom that could be won, the opportunities gained, and doors that could be opened for African Americans. She was a trailblazer, who went on to become the first African American woman to become head of an institution of higher learning, as head principal for the Institute for Colored Youth.
A portrait of Fanny Jackson Coppin
In the spirit of Fanny Jackson Coppin, students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Coppin State University are leading fearlessly and unapologetically with purpose, grace, and determination, and helping shape the future of our institution for its next century.
Women make up more than three quarters of the student population enrolled here at Coppin State, and are key partners in University leadership and governance. Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Pamela Wilks, Ph.D., is leading the charge as we develop new and innovative academic programs that will continue to cement Coppin's status as a leader in urban higher education. The deans of the Colleges of Business, Behavioral and Social Sciences,  Arts, Sciences, and Education, Health Professions, and Graduate Studies are all women with vision. They are dedicated to providing our students with the best academic, professional, and personal experiences to aid in their holistic development, and prepare them for the world beyond our campus.
The women who represent Coppin State wear navy blue and gold with pride. They are well-respected for their scholarship, talents, as well as their leadership, and are admired for the transformative impact they are having on campus, in Maryland, across our nation, and globally. 
Interim Vice President of Information Technology and Deputy Chief Information Officer, Dionne N. Curbeam, Ed.D., and Dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Beverly O'Bryant, Ph.D. were recognized by the Maryland Daily Record as two of its Top 100 Women in 2022, while Former Miss Coppin Desiré Jones ('22), was chosen to receive the Top 100 Women scholarship.
Dean Beverly O'Bryant, Ph.D.
Dionne Curbeam, Ed.D.
Desiré Jones ('22)
Assistant Professor, F. Michelle Richardson, Ph.D., was recently named president of the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport, while Tenyo Pearl, Ed.D., Program Coordinator for our Nonprofit Leadership Program was named to the 2023 Cohort for the Leadership Maryland program.
F. Michelle Richardson, Ph.D.
Tenyo Pearl, Ed.D.
Women's history is part of our history as a nation, and as an institution. The 91st Miss Coppin State University, Keylin Perez ('23), is the first Latina to hold this presitgious student leadership position at our HBCU. Keylin serves proudly as an ambassador for our institution, representing Coppin State on a national stage, while balancing her commitment as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, and her responsibilities as a nursing student. Keylin's journey with Coppin demonstrates the importance of representation and inclusion in all spaces, and she is one of the many talented Coppin women of all backgrounds who will change the world for the better.
Miss Coppin State University, Keylin Perez ('23) (center), with Baltimore City Council Member Odette Ramos (left), and Baltimore Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming, (right)
Coppin is proud to be part of the story of our alumni who are leading in their respective career fields, including:
  • Baltimore City Deputy Commissioner Sheree Briscoe ('20)
  • Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs ('91), Maryland Department of Public Safety and
    Correctional Services;
  • Judge Nicole Barmore ('99), Baltimore City Circuit Court
  • Nikki J. Jones ('96), Vice President of Change Management and Transformation for National Public Radio (NPR); and
  • Jan Lennon ('93), Deputy General Manager of Operations, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Deputy Commissioner Sheree Briscoe ('20) addresses graduates during Commencement 2022.
This month, and every month, we salute the women who are part of our Coppin Community.  You all are important to writing the story of Coppin State University, and we are happy to forever be part of your story going forward.
View Women's History Month Events

CSU Headlines

(L-R): Morgan State University President, Dr. David K. Wilson; Coppin State University President Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins; Bowie State University President, Dr. Aminta H. Breaux; Governor Wes Moore (D-MD); and BGE CEO, Carim Khouzami during the BGE grant announcement on February 28, 2023.
Photo Courtesy: Maryland Office of the Governor

Coppin to Receive $1 Million Grant from BGE to Support Students in STEM

Baltimore Gas and Electric reaffirmed its commitment to Coppin and supporting students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors in announcing it would award $1 million in grant funds over the next four years, during an event at the Banneker-Douglass Museum, Tuesday, February 28, 2023. 
This new commitment will extend the initial two-year partnership between Coppin and  through 2026, and will support student scholarships, as well as student and faculty-led research.

BGE Black Excellence in Energy March 7


Don't miss out on the 'Black Excellence in Energy' speaker series, brought to you by Coppin State University and BGE on March 7th at 4 p.m.! 
Join an exciting panel discussion on climate resiliency moderated by BGE’s Divesh Gupta and featuring industry leaders like Exelon's CEO Calvin Butler, WSP's Denise Turner Roth, and Boston Consulting Group's Justin Dean in the Talon Center.

Following the panel, you will have the chance to network with BGE and other companies during a career fair. This is the perfect opportunity to explore potential career paths in the energy industry, and make connections.
What: BGE Black Excellence in Energy Speaker Series
When: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 | Panel: 4 p.m. | Career Fair: 5 p.m.
Where: Talon Center, Room 214
RSVP by email to: eac@coppin.edu

Inaugural Coppin State University Gala 

Join us May 5, 2023 as we celebrate Coppin State University and the ascent of Eagle Nation, during the inaugural Coppin State University Gala.
Connect with other supporters of Eagle Nation, help transform the lives of our scholars, recognize changemakers, and celebrate the global impact of Coppin State.
Join Us for the Coppin State University Gala
President Jenkins with Martin Luther King, III

Martin Luther King III Visits Coppin State

During a recent trip to Maryland, Martin Luther King III, son of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., visited Coppin State University, and met with President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D. During the conversation, Mr. King reflected on his family’s legacy and how the fight for Civil Rights, social justice, and equity has evolved in the 21st Century. 
State Senator Antonio L. Hayes

Hayes Appointed Senate Majority Whip in the Maryland General Assembly 


Congratulations to State Senator Antonio L. Hayes! He was recently appointed as Senate Majority Whip, in the Maryland General Assembly. Senator Hayes represents District 40, an area of Baltimore City which includes Coppin State University. 
Jajuan Johnson
Iyinde' Palmer

Coppin State University and Coppin Academy Students Shine in Pipeline

The Coppin Repertory Theatre put on four performances of the Dominique Morisseau play, Pipeline March 2 - 5. Pipeline tackles the school-to-prison pipeline while following the journey of Nya, a dedicated inner-city public high school teacher, and her son, Omari, who is in danger of being expelled from his upstate private school.
The role of Omari was played by both Jajuan Johnson, a high school senior attending Coppin Academy High School, and Iyinde' Palmer ('26), a first-year Coppin State University student studying theatre, and a 2022 graduate of Coppin Academy. 

The cast also featured Brittany Saunders and Isa Williams, who were nominated for Irene Ryan Acting Award nominees for their work in Broke-ology in 2022.
 Andromeda Bacchus as Nya and Iyinde' Palmer as Omari
Isa Williams at "Xavier" and Andromeda Bacchus as "Nya"
Brittany Saunders as Jasmine

Vote for Coppin in the Retool Your School Contest

Coppin State University is competing with other HBCU’s  for the chance to win $150,000 in the 2023 Home Depot Retool Your School contest.  
You can vote via the website or by posting on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #ryscoppin
You can vote as much as you want.
Home Depot Student Opportunities

Coppin Lacrosse Returns April 2

Coppin State University Club Lacrosse was recognized during the Premier 
Lacrosse League Championship series during the league's HBCU Night, on 
February 24. Coppin State Lacrosse plays in the Next Collegiate League, which hosts HBCU teams playing Olympic-Style lacrosse.
The team is coached by Coppin alum Ryan Pratcher-Bey ('22). The new lacrosse season will begin April 2, 2023.

Apply for Featherstone HBCU Scholarships

The Featherstone Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2023 Featherstone HBCU Scholarships. Nine students will receive $3,000 scholarships.
Application Deadline: March 10, 2023
2022 White House HBCU Scholar, Jamie Reed ('23) with President Jenkins
2022 White House HBCU Scholar, Stephanie Leggette ('23) with President Jenkins

White House HBCU Scholars Application 


The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities  has opened the 2023 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program Application.
 
The Initiative is looking for the best and brightest HBCU student leaders to participate in this prestigious program! Students accepted into the program will work with the Initiative for one academic school year and be immersed in an intensive experience working closely with one another and Initiative partners from wide range of disciplines.
 
The nomination period closes March 31, 2023 
Take care, be well, and Go Eagles!
Dr. Jenkins New Headshot 2022

Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D.
President
Coppin State University

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