By Anne-Marie Waterman
Coppin State University’s President Anthony L. Jenkins has announced the largest capital campaign in its history. The “BE MORE” campaign, a $25 million initiative to fund student enrollment and achievement, invest in academics and research, support athletics, and foster institutional sustainability.
Aligned with trailblazer and namesake Fanny Jackson Coppin’s deep conviction that she was entrusted to ensure her race was “crowned with strength and dignity and adorned with the enduring grace of intellectual attainments”, the “BE MORE” campaign will profoundly transform the university and its surrounding communities.
The campaign will center on building the capacity and infrastructure of the university, as well as providing investments in the university’s strategic priorities:
- Student Achievement and Retention: $7 million in scholarship support, and $3 million to support the Eagle Achievement Center and programmatic development.
- Academic Excellence: $5 million to improve the Parlett Moore Library, modernize the performing arts facilities, and academic centers.
- Top-Tier Research: $4 million to support Coppin’s progress toward becoming a Research designated university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
- Elevate Eagle Athletics: $4 million to add athletic scholarships, implement new sports teams, upgrade facilities, and support building the baseball stadium.
- Grow our Endowment: $2 million to strengthen the financial and operational sustainability of the university.
To date, with the support of generous donors and alumni, a total of $12.3 million has been raised towards the $25 million campaign goal, which will conclude in 2025.
“The campaign represents the strength of Eagle Nation and the impressive path of progress we have been on since 2020,” said President Jenkins. “As an inclusive living laboratory of human relations, Coppin State University continues to distinguish itself by using its innovative teaching, experiential learning, service, research, and scholarship to improve the human condition, foster economic and upward mobility, as well as help our students and community reach their full potential.”
“While the campaign has been in its silent phase since 2021, to date, the University has raised over $12 million dollars from supporters, alumni, and partners. Now more than ever, we have the opportunity to “BE MORE” and transform the academic journey for our students,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Joshua E. Humbert. “This University’s consistent progress since 2020 has been a direct reflection of the dynamic leadership of President Jenkins and this campaign will help Coppin State University foster its mission and attain its goal to become a leader in urban education.”