In the dynamic field of education, where visionary leadership is the cornerstone of growth, one individual stands out— Dr. Jenkins, President of Coppin State University. Dr. Jenkins is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience and in-depth knowledge in education and leadership. As a respected higher education leader, president, and speaker, he brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of hands-on experience, innovation, and excellence in the academic realm.
The Key Guiding Principles: Empowering Dr. Jenkins’s Leadership Approach
Dr. Jenkins takes great pride in his administration, students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Together, they have expanded the academic portfolio, achieved double-digit enrollment growth, elevated the national brand, generated hundreds of millions in capital projects, and reached historic milestones in fundraising, student retention, graduation rates, corporate partnerships, endowment growth, and alumni engagement.
Early in his career, Dr. Jenkins began shaping his leadership style by implementing principles he developed as a student-athlete, during his military career, and through lessons learned from incredible higher education mentors. He recognized the importance of leading by example, developing his teams, and trusting in their abilities. He focused on becoming a better listener, cultivating environments that fostered dignity and openness, and maintaining strong self-awareness.
An Edge Over the Peers
Coppin State University is redefining what it means to provide higher education by successfully serving many Pell-eligible students while delivering quality education, achieving national rankings, and conducting innovative research in an exceptional student-centered environment.
The team’s focus remains on the individuals it serves and educates. No other four-year college or university in Maryland moves more low-income students into the middle class than Coppin State University.
The Importance of Community Engagement and Plans Strengthen CSU’s Impact
Coppin State University is recognized as Baltimore’s hometown university. The city serves as an extension of the campus and is an integral part of the student’s educational experience. Baltimore residents, the local business community, and state lawmakers view Coppin as an irreplaceable and invaluable institution.
When considering the impact, it is important to note that the Maryland General Assembly selected Coppin State University to lead the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA). WNADA is responsible for revitalizing the West Side of Baltimore, focusing on transportation, housing, education, and healthcare. Coppin State University is the first HBCU in the nation to be selected to lead the revitalization of a major corridor within a major United States city.
Dr. Jenkins’s Effective Strategies for Fundraising and Enrollment Initiatives
Upon Dr. Jenkins’s arrival, he and his team executed a comprehensive review of the internal infrastructure, focusing on policies, protocols, procedures, and technologies. They assessed the personnel and invested in their development. Additionally, they launched a rebranding campaign aimed at introducing Coppin State University to those who did not know it and to those who had an outdated perception of It.
They effectively communicated their value proposition to various corporate partners, helping them understand the return on investment they would receive when partnering with Coppin. In terms of student enrollment, they revamped the recruitment and admissions processes. They became more efficient, agile, personable, consistent, and professional. They expanded their merit and need-based scholarships and developed pathways that illustrated to prospective students—regardless of age, zip code, household income, or academic preparation—that they could become a college graduate.
As Maryland’s most affordable four-year college or university, the team reaffirmed its commitment to access, quality, and affordability. They developed innovative initiatives such as their Expand Eagle Nation program, which offers in-state tuition to all students enrolling from states without an HBCU. This program is the first of its kind in Maryland.
Striking Balance in Preserving Tradition with Driving Innovation
Dr. Jenkins believes that tradition and innovation are not competing interests. There is no question that Coppin has a rich storied history, and it is that history that has fostered its drive for innovation.
“It is understood that we will always pay respect to and preserve our history. We stand on our history, but it does not dictate our future or vision. What we did yesterday to succeed is not what will be required for success tomorrow. For example, Coppin was founded as a teacher’s college. How we prepared teachers then is profoundly different from how we do it today. Blackboards have been replaced with virtual reality, smart tablets replaced textbooks, and how we derive solutions and foster cognitive development is different”, shares Dr. Jenkins.
Dr. Jenkins’s Unique Perspectives as a First-generation College Graduate
Dr. Jenkins brings an authentic perspective as a first-generation college graduate. Raised by a single mother on the southwest side of Washington, D.C., he is one of four children. His life experiences resonate with those of many of his students.
Dr. Jenkins wants his students to have the same opportunities, hope, and unconditional support that he received during his life and college journey. He is deeply committed to the student-centered approach to Coppin. When he interacts with students, he does so not as a president but as an example of what is possible. Dr. Jenkins shares his personal experiences, travels, failures, and lessons learned. He talks with his students as he is talking to his younger self. Dr. Jenkins challenges them to know that the sky is not the limit and encourages them to avoid the distracting noise of naysayers, cynical people, and those who find comfort in keeping them from achieving their goals.
Taking the Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Beyond Students
Coppin State University serves a diverse student population, including students from 30 states, the District of Columbia, and 32 countries. The students pursue a degree in widely recognized academic programs such as Business, Healthcare, Psychology, Social Work, Teacher Education, Criminal Justice, and STEM.
The team is committed to fostering a multicultural campus community that prepares the students to lead a multicultural world. Notably, one-third of the renowned faculty represent backgrounds other than African American. They see their campus as a dynamic living laboratory for human relations. At Coppin, they prioritize both diversity and multiculturalism, recognizing that the unique characteristics of the students, faculty, and staff members enhance Coppin State’s collective growth, learning, and cohesion as one community.
Essential Skills for Success in Today’s World
The team is focused on developing and preparing students to contribute to and lead an educated citizenry. Today’s world still needs the valuable offerings of colleges and universities. Their goal is to equip the students with transferable skills that will benefit them across all majors and whatever challenges they will face beyond their time at Coppin. Important skills such as analytical thinking skills, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, effective communication skills, the ability to effectively collaborate, an entrepreneur mindset, and a strong moral compass will serve the students well wherever they go.
The Impactful Leadership Insights As a Military Veteran
When Dr. Jenkins arrived at Fort Jackson, South Carolina for basic training, he was barely 18. Within days he was thrust into the platoon leader position, overseeing 300 men. That experience was transformational for him and solidified his belief that his military service in the United States Army was one of the greatest experiences of his professional life.
As a military veteran, the leadership insights that have significantly shaped his presidency include an unwavering emphasis on mission-driven decision-making, cultivating a culture of accountability and collaboration, leading by example, embracing change, prioritizing clear, effective communication, and investing in the success of his team—comprising administration, students, faculty, and staff—while maintaining resilience in an ever-challenging environment.
The Significant Challenges and Opportunities in Technology Adaption
Like many colleges and universities, CSU is committed to carefully balancing the use of technology. There are significant ways technology can help to streamline operations and advance the groundbreaking research institutions conduct. While technology is a great tool that can enhance the strong educational environment, the CSU team believes that it should never replace human interaction. The team still commits to an “In loco parentis” philosophy at Coppin.
Coppin University is a high-touch, high-impact university. Students chose to enroll at Coppin because it offers a nurturing and transformational education. During the pandemic, the team witnessed firsthand how the digital divide can adversely impact first-generation and underrepresented groups.
The Future of Higher Education and the Significance of CSU
The landscape of the workforce is changing rapidly. Technology is transforming the way we live, learn, and work, and businesses are seeking employees with the skills that match these changes. To keep pace with this demand, higher education must be adapted.
In an increasingly competitive global economy, a college degree is no longer enough to guarantee a good job. To prepare graduates effectively, colleges and universities will need to do more than provide academic instruction. It is important to recognize that eighty percent of a student’s cognitive and holistic development occurs outside the classroom. Therefore, higher education should focus on helping students develop holistically by enhancing their analytical thinking skills, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, effective communication skills, and the ability for collaboration.
Further, Dr. Jenkins shares his top priorities for Coppin State University
- Establish Coppin State University as a university of choice
- Enhance the holistic development and graduation rates of the students
- Strengthen the brand and reputation as a leader in urban higher education
- Create a great place for faculty and staff to work.
Words of Wisdom for First-generation Students and Young People
Dr. Jenkins encourages them to believe in themselves and recognize that they have earned the right to be in this space. Now is the time to take action. Throughout their educational journey, one of the most important things they can do is ask for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength. Seek out mentors and do not be afraid to try new experiences. He often tells his students that fear and failure are not the opposite of success; rather, they are essential ingredients of it.
He challenges them to use the resources available at the university to build meaningful relationships with their faculty and staff and avoid procrastination.
