Dear Coppin Campus Community:

Today is University Day, where Coppin faculty and staff come together to chart our path forward for a new academic year. This year’s theme: Eagle Nation Rising. University Day is a day where we prepare for flight. We are focused on developing our strategic plan and supporting programs and initiatives that will reinforce our strategic priorities to:

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.

We are committed to providing our students with a high-quality education and transformational experiences that will help shape their futures and positively impact communities in Baltimore, across Maryland, and globally. We continually deliver on this commitment with our 61 academic programs, including 33 bachelor’s programs, 13 master’s programs, 14 certificate programs, and Doctor in Nursing Practice. We are building on a strong foundation and 122 year legacy of educational excellence and community engagement.

Our campus is alive with a new energy that will propel us forward and help us face the opportunities and challenges that come with a new academic year. This energy will only grow as our students return to the residence halls next week, and classes begin August 29

I look forward to welcoming our students and friends of the university back to campus for another amazing semester.

Take care, be well, and Go Eagles!

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

president@coppin.edu

CSU Headlines

Rendering of Eagle Achievement Center Lobby

Eagle Achievement Center

Work is underway to transform the fourth floor of the Parlett L. Moore Library into the new home of the Eagle Achievement Center (EAC), an innovative, centralized hub that will enhance campus communication, collaboration, and cohesiveness to meet the academic and professional development needs of our students.

The EAC will allow us to better support the holistic development of our current students, build an inclusive experience for our diverse student population, and empower them to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. The services offered under the EAC will transition from their current locations to the newly renovated, dedicated space when it is completed during the Spring 2023 semester. Read more about the EAC and its benefits for the Coppin Campus Community in our recent announcement.

Rendering of EAC Collaborative Spaces

Errol S. Bolden, Ph.D.

New Interim Associate Provost and Associate VP for Academic Affairs

Errol Sebastian Bolden, Ph.D. is the newly appointed Interim Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs for Coppin State University. Dr. Bolden joined the faculty at Coppin State in 2005. He is a professor in the Department of Social Work, with more than 25 years of experience as a macro social work educator and practitioner. His research has focused on community and organizational capacity building, university and community partnerships, faith-based community development, the globalization of higher education, as well as disengaged dads, and the disengaging of males in the academy.

Dr. Bolden has lectured and/or conducted workshops throughout the United States, the Caribbean, South Korea, and various African countries. He also serves as a senior lecturer at the Cave Hill campus of University of the West Indies, and as a visiting professor at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia

Dr. Bolden holds associate and bachelor’s degrees from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, a Master of Social Work from Howard University in Washington, D.C., a Master of Public Health as well as a Ph.D. in Social Work with an emphasis in social policy analysis and public health from the University of Pittsburgh.

His appointment took effect August 1.

Team members from Northwestern Mutual present a $50,000 check to Coppin State University on July 28, 2022

Coppin State University Receives
$50,000 Gift from Northwestern Mutual

Coppin State University has received a $50,000 gift from Northwestern Mutual to launch its Insurance Learning Laboratory and support additional career readiness, academic, and community outreach initiatives through the CSU College of Business. A team from Northwestern Mutual presented the check during the second installment of the CSUmmer Concert Series.

Faculty Highlights

Mona Calhoun, Ph.D.

Congratulations to Health Information Management Chair, Mona Calhoun, FAHIMA, M.Ed., M.S., Ph.D., RHIA! Dr. Calhoun is now president-elect of the American Healthcare Information Management Association. The global nonprofit association represents health information professionals who work with health data for patients. Dr. Calhoun is a member of the Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows program. She will take office in January 2023.

Ericka N. Covington, D.B.A.

Ericka N. Covington, D.B.A. was recently elected to the Board of The ARC Baltimore, which supports people with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose and meaningful relationships. She connected with the organization while part of the Associated Black Charities’ board pipeline program in Spring 2022.

Johnny Rice, II, Ph.D.

Concerns about squeegee workers in Baltimore have received a lot of attention recently from the press and politicians, including Mayor Brandon Scott, and the nominee for Baltimore City State’s Attorney, Ivan Bates. CSU Criminal Justice Chair, Johnny Rice II, Ph.D., MSCJ, spoke to the Baltimore Sun about ways we can address the complex issues around squeegee workers, and the need for a broad community conversation to find solutions.

Dr. Rice also recently spoke to CNN about necessary training and practices already in place for law enforcement when it comes to interacting with people experiencing a mental health crisis. “The stigma of mental illness can’t be something that influences response,” Rice said. “It has to be officers who have a sensitivity and awareness of the issue and also understand that they have resources and tools that can assist them to ensure that a person does not harm themselves or others.”

Sherida Morrison

College of Business Professor and entrepreneur Sherida Morrison, MSOD (’04) spoke during Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s 2022 Youth Summit. This year’s summit connected youth to the business community, including local entrepreneurs, while also providing skills and tools youth can use to start or continue their entrepreneurial journey.

Optimizing the Student Experience through Technology

A team from the Information Technology Division and College of Business were recently recognized for their work to improve student engagement and student success here at Coppin State University. The team, dubbed the Visionaries, received the Catalyst Award for Optimizing Student Experience from Anthology+Blackboard. Using a host of tools created by the company, they were able to provide artificially intelligent automated personalized nudges and messaging for students to complete key tasks, and also improve recruitment and retention data.

The College of Business also redesigned courses to better fit the skills and knowledge employers expect from new employees and provide a clearer picture of potential career paths after graduation. Read more about the team and their outstanding work.

Top Row (Left to Right): Melissa Rigby, Ashish Nunna, Taha Muhammad, Mohammed Ahmed

Bottom Row (Left to Right): Prasad Doddanna, Ravi Settipalle, Dean Sadie Gregory, Dionne Curbeam,
Ahmed El-Haggan

Coppin Students Participate in STEM Summer Internship with
Center for Nanotechnology

A group of Coppin State University undergraduates and Baltimore high school students are wrapping up their summer internship at the Center for Nanotechnology.

The interns have worked throughout the summer preparing and testing of dye-based solar cells used in common items such as light bulbs, portable chargers, and construction vests; preparing and analyzing metal nanoparticles used in the medical field; and studying how dye materials interact with light, as it is applied in the forensic field.

Their internship will culminate in the annual STEM Day program at Coppin State University on September 26.

Summer interns in the Center for Nanotechnology with Angela L. Williams, Ph.D. (center), Director of Title III Programs

Christy Turner

Coppin State University Alumna Joins West North Avenue Development Authority

Christy Turner (’22) has joined the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA), as a Community Revitalization Coordinator. Turner is an AmeriCorps Lead for America Fellow and will work full-time supporting the WNADA through June 2023.

During her time with WNADA she will assist Executive Director Chad Williams in develop and implement a comprehensive revitalization plan for the West North Avenue corridor in partnership with community stakeholders to improve housing, transportation, and economic development.

Turner believes her leadership experiences and coursework at Coppin has prepared her for her fellowship by giving her perspective.

Turner say she looks forward to connecting with the community in her work with WNADA.

“A lot of times, I think policy, planning, and community development are done by developers, and they don’t really include the community. I like that the Development Authority wants to include the community and understand their wants, their needs, and their desires for what they want their community to look like.”

When asked what she wished people knew about Charm City, she reflects on her desire for people to get to know the city, including West Baltimore.

“I wish [people] would realize there is value in all parts of Baltimore,” said Turner. “And when we value all parts of Baltimore, that’s when you can truly see its beauty.”

Eagles on the Move

Desiré Jones

Congratulations to Desiré Jones (’22) who is joining Teach for America. Teach for America recruits outstanding and diverse leaders who commit to teaching in low-income communities across the United States for two years. Members of the Teach for America Corps are dedicated to expanding opportunities for young children in local schools.

Jones, Miss Coppin for the 2021-2022 academic year, will be teaching in Atlanta plans to become a special education teacher for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Troy V. Williams

Troy V. Williams (‘94) was recently appointed as chief equity officer for the City of Arlington, Texas. In his new role, Williams will oversee planning, development and administration of diversity, equity, and inclusion engagement initiatives.

Williams previously served as the first chief diversity officer for Baltimore County, Maryland. He holds a Master of Adult Education – Administration from Coppin State University. Read more about Williams, and his new role.

Tammira Lucas

Congratulations to Tammira Lucas, Ph.D. (’09) on being named one of the Baltimore Business Journal’s Enterprising Women of 2022.

Dr. Lucas is founder and CEO of The Cube Network, the largest black women owned co-working space which provides flexibility, and support to professionals by providing childcare services on site. She is also an Assistant Professor of Business at Harford Community College, a business consultant, and realtor.

Cathryn Lane

MEAC Woman of the Year

Cathryn Lane (’22) was selected as the 2022 Woman of the Year by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The award celebrates athletes who have excelled in academics, athletics, service, and leadership. Cathryn will be considered for the NCAA Woman of the Year award this fall. Read more about Cathryn and this prestigious honor.

Nominations Open for CSU Athletics
Hall of Fame Class of 2023

Coppin State University’s Athletics Hall of Fame is currently accepting nominations for the 2023 class of honorees.

The Hall of Fame honors CSU athletics alumni, administrators, coaches, and others who have made extraordinary contributions to the athletics program during their time at Coppin State University.

To be nominated:

Individuals must be ten years removed from their eligibility;
Teams may be nominated ten years after their competition season;
Alumni and former coaches must be 5 years removed from coaching duties at the University.

The deadline for nominations is October 1, 2022.

The 2023 class will be inducted during Homecoming Weekend in February.

Click here to submit a nomination for the 2023 class.

Click Here to Submit a Nomination

CSU Events

2022 CSUmmer Concert Series Finale

Our Summer Concert Series concludes Thursday, August 18, 2022 and will feature a performance by the 4 The Road Band. The Concert will begin at 6 p.m.

STEM Day at Coppin State University

Join us for STEM Day at Coppin State University September 26, 2022.

High school and undergraduate students will participate in a range of activities to test their skills and expand their understanding of scientific concepts related to renewable energy.

Where: Coppin State University

2500 West North Ave.

Baltimore, MD 21216

Science and Technology Center, Room 120

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

STEM Day is presented by the Coppin State University Center for Nanotechnology and sponsored by Constellation, an Exelon Company.

For more information, contact Dr. Jamal Uddin at 410-951-4118 or juddin@coppin.edu.

Coppin Golf Classic

There is still time to sign up for the Coppin Golf Classic returns Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Greystone Golf Course in White Hall, MD. The tournament raises money to support our Division I students-athletes who are committed to maintaining athletic and academic excellence, while competing at the highest level. CSU Athletes recorded an 89% Graduation Success Rate – the highest in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).