|
|
from the desk of
Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D.
| |
April 9, 2026
Dear Eagle Nation:
As we enter the final stretch of the semester, there is a renewed sense of energy across Coppin’s campus. April brings a shift in season and a moment to reflect on how far we have come together. Classrooms are active, ideas are taking shape, and our students are preparing to turn hard work into achievement.
This is a meaningful time in the life of the university. It is where focus meets finish, where growth becomes visible, and where the Coppin experience is fully realized.
Across every corner of our campus, that momentum is clear.
| |
Standing Together: Coppin’s Commitment to Ending Sexual Violence
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). This year's national theme, "25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward," reflects a sustained national commitment to ending sexual violence. At Coppin State University, we mark this month under our campus theme: Respect. Every. Body. End Sexual Assault.
This is more than a message. It is a shared responsibility.
At Coppin, we affirm that every member of our community deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. We stand with survivors and remain committed to fostering a culture grounded in accountability, care, and dignity.The reality of sexual violence demands our attention.
According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, nearly half of women in the United States experience some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetimes. These are not distant statistics. They reflect the lived experiences of people in our Coppin family, our students, our colleagues, and our loved ones. Awareness is only the first step. Prevention requires shared responsibility. Throughout April, our Title IX Office and campus partners are leading a series of programs designed to educate, empower, and engage our community.
| |
- Kings Heal Too: A Conversation on Sexual Assault, Strength, and Healing
Thursday, April 9 | 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Talon Center Room 210
A courageous conversation on sexual assault, strength, and healing among Black men, led by international speaker and best-selling author Ronald McCray. - What is Consent?
Monday, April 20 | 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Talon Center Room 210
An interactive program presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Title IX Office, helping students navigate the complexities of consent through real-life scenarios. - Protect Your Power: Self-Defense Against Sexual Violence
Thursday, April 23 | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | PEC 108
A hands-on self-defense class with Mr. LeCarlo Beaty. - Be BRAVE — Bystanders Responding Against Violence Everywhere
Monday, April 27 | 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Talon Center Atrium
An interactive experience equipping Eagles with tools to recognize warning signs, safely intervene, and support survivors. - Denim Day
Wednesday, April 29 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Talon Center Lobby
Wear denim to support survivors of sexual violence and connect with community partners including MCASA, Chase Brexton, and Planned Parenthood for resources, giveaways, and food.
If you are a survivor of sexual assault and misconduct, your physical safety and emotional well-being are a priority. If you or someone you know needs support:
- Immediate danger or injury: Call 911 or Coppin State University Police at 410.951.3911
- Confidential medical treatment: University Community Health Center — 410.951.4188
- Confidential counseling: Center for Counseling and Student Development — 410.951.3959 or 410.951.4264
- Title IX Office: Ms. Katsura Kurita — kkurita@coppin.edu | 410.951.6543
| |
| Fuel the Flight: Giving Day is April 16
| |
Shamonique Harris did not just choose Coppin State University — she chose it from 2,700 miles away. What she found here affirmed her decision.
Leaving Long Beach, California, for Baltimore was a bold move. In her first semester, she earned a 4.0 GPA, was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work and the National Society of Leadership and Success, and took on a leadership role as SGA Non-Traditional Student Liaison.
In her words, Coppin stood out as an institution that genuinely invests in its students and builds real pathways to growth. Her story reflects what is possible when talent meets opportunity and support.
That support exists because of a community that believes in Coppin. She is living proof. The opportunities she stepped into — in-state tuition through Expand Eagle Nation, academic support from the Eagle Achievement Center, and a dedicated faculty and staff — are made possible by donors who invest in our students and stand behind this university’s mission.
On April 16, we come together for Giving Day under a shared call: Fuel the Flight. Our goal is 300 donors. Every gift at every level strengthens scholarships, academic programs, and student resources that propel our Eagles forward.
This is not just about giving. It is about a collective investment in what Coppin makes possible. Shamonique's story is one of many unfolding across this campus.
Your generosity on Giving Day helps expand opportunities for the next generation of Eagles.
| |
| Student Success in Motion: Khila Morris Earns MEAC Newcomer of the Year
| |
Coppin State University continues to demonstrate what student success looks like in action. Senior guard Khila Morris has earned Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Newcomer of the Year honors along with First Team All-Conference recognition, becoming the first student-athlete in program history to receive this distinction.
Her achievement reflects more than athletic excellence. It speaks to the discipline, resilience, and academic focus that define the Coppin experience. Morris’s leadership on the court mirrors the work happening across our campus to support student development, completion, and long-term success.
As we advance our commitment to becoming a university of choice and strengthening our reputation as a leader in urban higher education, stories like this remind us that our students are not only competing, but excelling and preparing to lead.
| |
|
Investing in Faculty Excellence
Our strength begins with our faculty. They are at the center of Coppin’s impact.
This spring, we proudly supported 18 faculty members through our Faculty Success and Development Initiative. Their work advances innovation across areas such as health equity, artificial intelligence, education, environmental justice, and workforce development.
These efforts directly benefit our students by bringing research, real-world insight, and new ideas into the classroom.
We are proud of our faculty and the impact they have in advancing Coppin’s leadership in urban higher education. Their work drives innovation, addresses real-world challenges, and strengthens our reputation as a premier urban university.
Please join me in congratulating our Spring 2026 award recipients and recognizing the essential role our faculty play in shaping Coppin’s future.
| |
|
Faculty Impact: Advancing Education Across Maryland
| |
Dr. Nicole Anthony, assistant professor of special education in Coppin State University's Department of Teaching and Learning, has been selected as a Subject Matter Expert for the University System of Maryland's new Alternative Teacher Licensure Program — a systemwide, non-credit pathway designed to support conditionally licensed teachers across Maryland as they complete their licensure requirements.
In this role, she is leading the development of a module on differentiated instruction and serving as a reviewer for a module on civic education and digital literacy — work that will directly shape learning experiences for educators serving students across Maryland.
“I am truly honored to contribute to work that expands meaningful pathways into the teaching profession," said Dr. Anthony. "This opportunity aligns with Coppin's commitment to workforce development, educator pipeline expansion, and educational equity.”
The program reflects USM's commitment to strengthening the educator pipeline by meeting working teachers where they are — in the classroom — and providing a flexible, competency-based path to full licensure. Dr. Anthony's selection recognizes her expertise in special education and differentiated instruction. Her leadership reinforces the important role Coppin plays in shaping education policy and practice.
| |
|
Staff Impact: Leading Beyond Campus
| |
Kevin Carr, President of the Coppin State National Alumni Association, recently completed the Leadership Baltimore County (LBC) Class of '26 — strengthening the university's connection to the broader community through strategic leadership development. Kevin distinguished himself by helping plan an outstanding Public Safety Day and forging vital connections with county decision-makers. This May, he will launch a personal action plan aimed at enhancing economic vibrancy and quality of life for Baltimore County residents. His commitment to excellence was further recognized with a Certificate of Honorable Mention for his nomination to the Board of Regents Staff Awards.
When staff invest in leadership at this level, they return with broader networks and deeper understanding of the challenges facing the communities Coppin serves.
| |
| Expanding Our Reach: West Baltimore Meets West Coast
| |
Coppin recently hosted the West Baltimore Meets West Coast Summit in Los Angeles, connecting California students with opportunities at Coppin.
The initiative created new recruitment pathways and resulted in immediate admissions and scholarship offers. Through programs like Expand Eagle Nation, Coppin continues to remove barriers and increase access for students nationwide.
We remain committed to ensuring that access to a transformative education is not limited by geography. READ MORE>>>
| |
Women’s History Month: Leading the Change
Coppin’s Annual Women’s History Month Forum brought together leaders, scholars, and students for a day of dialogue and reflection.
The forum highlighted the importance of building institutions that endure and creating pathways for future leaders. We were honored to welcome distinguished leaders from across Maryland who shared their experiences and insights.
We also celebrated individuals whose work continues to make a lasting impact on our community. READ MORE>>>
| |
Stories connect us and showcase the impact of what we are building at Coppin State University. Share your story so we can highlight the excellence, momentum, and transformation happening across our campus.
| |
As we move through April, the close of the semester reminds us what this moment represents. It is a time of accomplishment, transition, and new beginnings. Across campus, we see our students rising to the occasion and preparing for what comes next.
Let us continue to support one another and finish strong with purpose and intention. The work we do now will carry forward long after this semester ends.
Thank you for all you do to strengthen Coppin.
Take care, be well, and Go Eagles!
| |
Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D.
President
Coppin State University
| |
| | Follow Coppin State University
| |
|
|
|
|
|
