By Coppin State University
Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D. today, announced the appointments of Pamela Richardson Wilks, Ph.D., as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Stephan T. Moore, Ed.D., as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs; and James G. Stewart, Ph.D., as Associate Vice President for Student Development and Achievement.
The three executive appointees will work closely together to address priorities related to student enrollment and retention, as well as enhancing the student experience at Coppin State University. They will also provide strategic resources and support for academic success to all student populations, including international students, adult learners, and military veterans.
“I am pleased to announce we are adding three dynamic leaders to our team who will help foster our success and commitment to transforming the student experience here at Coppin State University. As we re-imagine Coppin’s future, their combined, diverse expertise in higher education, will play a profound role in helping us achieve our five new strategic goals,” said President Jenkins. “Moreover, I am confident they will be instrumental, individually, and collectively, in helping redefine and strengthen our campus culture. I look forward to welcoming them to Eagle Nation and reaching new levels of success, together.”
Coppin State University is focused on improving the student experience, improving student completion rates, and investing in holistic student development. The newest additions to the Academic Affairs team will collaborate to launch the Eagle Achievement Center, which will serve as a new central hub for academic advising, mentorship, and career development. The Eagle Achievement Center will provide support and guidance to help students achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals, including academic coaching, math and writing labs, career exploration, and other essential student support services. The Eagle Achievement Center is a new dimension to the university which will help enhance the student experience, bolster enrollment, increase student retention, and connect students with opportunities after graduation.
Pamela Richardson Wilks, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Pamela Richardson Wilks is an accomplished educator, scholar, and administrator who has cultivated a successful 20-plus year career in higher education. Dr. Wilks joins Coppin State University from Edward Waters University, where she served in several roles, including as Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to the President & CEO for Strategic Initiatives, and Interim Vice President of Institutional Planning, Research, and Effectiveness (IPRE). Most recently, she was appointed Associate Provost for Academic Operations, Programs, and IPRE. Additionally, she has served in the roles of Associate Vice President, Associate Provost, and Vice President for Academic Affairs, at several Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Dr. Wilks also achieved faculty rank in the areas of English, Humanities, and African American Studies.
As Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Wilks will bring administrative leadership, direction, and evaluation for all academic activities and affairs of the University. Dr. Wilks is interested in strengthening the faculty research infrastructure; recruitment and retention through academic programming; areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion; as well as maintaining a spirit of collegiality and collaboration across units at the institution. Further, she seeks to inspire transformational undergraduate and graduate academic engagement and integrity, as well as provide thought-leadership and stewardship of the University.
“I am excited to be appointed Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Coppin State University where they believe in Nurturing Potential…Transforming Lives. As a core educational philosophy throughout my career, I have diligently worked to nurture the potential of not only students, but also faculty and staff, as building individuals builds better institutions,” said Dr. Wilks. “Moreover, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to collaborate and innovate with such a future forward president as Dr. Jenkins, as well as this dynamic administration, faculty, staff, and students.”
Dr. Wilks holds both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English from North Carolina A&T State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in English from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of several honor societies, such as Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Lambda Delta, Golden Key, and Sigma Tau Delta. She is also an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
Dr. Wilks is married to Dr. Christopher Wilks, Sr., and is mother to Anthony, Christopher II, and Joshua.
Dr. Wilks’ appointment is effective July 18.
Stephan T. Moore, Ed.D., Vice President, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
As Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, Dr. Stephan T. Moore will focus on recruitment, campus life, and the needs of students. He joins Coppin State University with 18 years of leadership experience in higher education, with a foundation based in liberal arts, vocational and professional training programs.
Dr. Moore has experienced positive results in student affairs and engagement, enrollment management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion for higher education institutions with student enrollment ranging from 2,500 to 20,000 students. His passion for driving student engagement has also afforded him success with strategic enrollment and campus collaboration initiatives.
Dr. Moore has an extensive background in higher education research and strategic planning, with an emphasis on student affairs having previously served as interim chief diversity and inclusion officer, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford; Vice Chancellor of Student Engagement at Louisiana State University, Alexandria; and the Dean of Students and Interim Vice Provost for Access and Enrollment Service at the University of the Virgin Islands. He also has professional experience in residential life, student conduct, and student life. He has taught at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and the University of the Virgin Islands.
“We have a duty to recruit students and connect them to campus resources to ensure their success. Engaged and connected students positively correlate to student success, retention, and graduation,” shared Moore. “It is an honor to serve the students, faculty, and staff at Coppin State University, and I am privileged to engage in work that directly impacts the student experience. I hope to build on the good work being done in Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.”
In addition to service to the campus community, Dr. Moore has been actively involved with community engagement with the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and as a volunteer for 4-H.
Dr. Moore received his doctorate in education from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Arts in education from Argosy University, and a Bachelor of Science in family studies from Campbell University.
Dr. Moore’s appointment is effective July 18.
James G. Stewart, Ph.D., Associate Vice President, Student Development and Achievement
As Associate Vice President for Student Development and Achievement, Dr. James G. Stewart will focus on strengthening retention efforts for Coppin State University and the strategic direction of the Eagle Achievement Center. Dr. Stewart is a 17-year higher education professional with expertise in student success. Dr. Stewart currently serves as director of academic continuity and engagement (ACE) at DePaul University in Chicago, a new department he created, which leverages data-informed interventions and outcomes to improve student retention and student outcomes.
Dr. Stewart previously oversaw the Office of Veteran Affairs, as DePaul has the largest student veteran population in Chicago. Dr. Stewart also served as director of adult, veteran, and commuter student affairs at DePaul. He also previously held positions at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Knox College, in Galesburg, IL.
“During the interview process, it was apparent to me that the entire campus community is very invested in its students, their goals, and their success,” said Dr. Stewart. “I am most excited to join Coppin State University to contribute my experiences and knowledge in student success to further, even more, the transformational impact of this university.”
Dr. Stewart is an active member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and currently serves as professional development coordinator for the Region IV-East board. He previously served as conference chair for the regional conference in 2019. He is a published scholar with a recent chapter in Emerging International Issues in Student Affairs Research and Practice on delayed adulthood.
Dr. Stewart has a Ph.D. in curriculum studies from DePaul University, a Master of Education from the University of Arkansas, and a Bachelor of Science in economics from Lyon College.
