Coppin State Alumnus Named Superintendent of Three National Historic Sites
Baltimore native Robert Stewart brings nearly two decades of National Park Service experience to historic sites central to America's civil rights history.
BALTIMORE — Coppin State University alumnus Robert Stewart has been appointed superintendent of three nationally significant historic sites: the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site and Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site.
Stewart, a Baltimore native and graduate of Coppin State University, assumed his new position on September 20, 2026. His appointment places him in a leadership role overseeing historic landmarks that preserve and share important chapters of American history, including the civil rights movement and the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Stewart earned his Bachelor of Science in history and secondary education from Coppin State University. He also holds a master's degree in human services administration, with a concentration in special education, through a collaborative program between Coppin State University and the University of Baltimore.
His journey with the National Park Service began while he was completing his undergraduate studies, when he joined the agency through its Student Temporary Employee Program.
Over the past 18 years, Stewart has held leadership positions at national parks in Ohio, Maryland, Alabama and Mississippi. Most recently, he served as superintendent of Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Church Creek, Maryland.
His new appointment marks a homecoming of sorts. Stewart's first permanent National Park Service position was at the Tuskegee and Selma historic sites, where he now returns as superintendent.
"It is an honor to return to the Selma and Tuskegee sites to serve the community," Stewart said in the National Park Service announcement. "Every day in the NPS is an opportunity to motivate, help and guide others."
Reflecting on his educational journey, Stewart credited Coppin State University with helping shape his professional success and commitment to serving others.
"My time at Coppin not only gave me the foundation that I would need in my career but also instilled in me the confidence that I need to achieve any and all goals."
"I will always be grateful for the many faculty, staff and peers that poured into me and helped me become who I am today, so that I can pay it forward to future generations," Stewart added.
Throughout his career, Stewart has worked to strengthen educational programming, preserve historic resources and develop partnerships that connect communities with America's history.
His appointment reflects the national impact of Coppin State University graduates and the institution's longstanding commitment to preparing students for leadership and public service.
Source: National Park Service, September 22, 2026.
