Volume III | September 2017
Welcome Class of 2021
Last week, Coppin State University welcomed returning students and members of the Class of 2021. Students from as near as West Baltimore and as far away as California, Nigeria and Brazil converged on our campus to start their fall semester. On August 22, we held the Annual Freshman Candlelight Ceremony to welcome and initiate our newest Coppinites into the traditions of our university. Please join me in wishing all of our students a successful academic year. 
#CoppinProud
Coppin State has been ranked among the Best Historically Black College and Universities in the country, as well as one of the 15 Best Colleges in the state of Maryland. College Choice, an independent publication, selected Coppin for internationally recognized faculty, excellence in technology, teaching, return on investment, and more. I applaud all of the faculty and staff for their commitment to our student’s educational experience.

Use of Analytics Recognized
In July, Coppin State University was named the winner of the Blackboard Catalyst Award for Student Success. This award honors those whose creative program application has led to increased retention, increased completion and/or improved outcomes. Blackboard, an education technology leader, recognized Coppin and our use of data analytics, which helped to boost our 2016 freshman class enrollment by fifty percent.
2017 Elkins Award Recipients
Two Coppin State faculty members have been named Wilson H. Elkins Award recipients. Dr. Kavita Hegde, associate professor of Biology, and Dr. Katherine A. Cameron, associate professor of Applied Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling, are this year’s recipients for their work to further the mission of teaching, research and service, and dedication to student success. 
Partnership with Baltimore City
Coppin State University has joined with Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh to help make a college education more affordable for graduates of Baltimore City Public High Schools. In August, we announced 2018 plans to offer qualifying Baltimore City Public High School graduates, who also graduate with an Associate’s Degree from Baltimore City Community College (BCCC), free tuition for two years at Coppin State University to continue their education. This plan builds on the Mayor’s plan to offer free community college for Baltimore public high school graduates. This effort not only provides an opportunity to support and engage our young people academically, but it will also have a profound impact on our communities. I look forward to welcoming these students to our campus. 
STC Goes Gold
In July, our Campus’ Science and Technology Center (STC) was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) GOLD Certification. The building, which was dedicated in 2015, has contributed greatly to the academic life of the campus and increased opportunities for students to excel in STEM learning. The LEED Gold certification underscores Coppin’s contribution to a sustainable learning environment.
Middle States Visit
We are pleased to announce that the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, our regional accrediting agency, will conduct a site visit February 11 – 14, 2018. The evaluation team, which will consist of 5 or more members, will respond to our self-study document. Evaluation team chair, Dr. Carl S. Person, will conduct a preliminary visit to our campus on September 28, 2017, to provide additional guidance as the February date approaches. Please mark your calendars for these important accrediting dates.
S.T.E.M. Day @ Coppin
Coppin continues to serve as an anchor institution for the community and recently held “STEM” Day at CSU, where we welcomed a number of middle and high school students to the Science and Technology Center for a series of hands-on experiments. Organized by the Department of Natural Sciences and Center for Nanotechnology, STEM Day provided access to cutting edge, high performance sciences and technology education for area youth.
Student Highlight 
With this monthly communication, I plan to introduce you to Coppin students who are on the move. Meet a few of Coppin’s students, who by their example, show that we are truly becoming an exemplar of public, urban higher education:
Paris Holmes
Student Government Association President Paris J. Holmes is a native of East Baltimore, MD. Paris is a rising senior at Coppin State University majoring in Political Science with a minor in Anthropology. He has a distinct focus on pursuing law school immediately after completing his undergraduate degree. Paris plans to launch a legal career advocating for equitable funding for urban school systems, diversifying the perspective of public education curriculums, and defending the preservation of landmarks significant to African-American history through cultural resource management efforts. 
Samierra Jones
With the support of Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh, Coppin State business major and entrepreneur Samierra Jones developed her business plan through the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship program. Samierra won a pitch competition that yielded her $2,500 in start-up funds, a position as a social media manager, and an opportunity to serve as a customer experience consultant. Congratulations to Samierra on her success!
Key Dates to Remember
September 14
Convocation
11:00 a.m.
September 21
Alumni Night at Oriole Park
5:00 p.m.
October 9-13
I Love Coppin Week
October 13
All-Star Night at Coppin
(Formerly Midnight Mayhem)
Coppin State University | 410 951-4200 | president@coppin.edu
Coppin State University is an urban, comprehensive, and Historically Black Institution. Building on a legacy of excellence in teacher preparation in the metropolitan community, the university offers quality undergraduate and graduate programs in teacher education, liberal arts, health professions, and STEM-related disciplines