Apr 27 2026

Coppin State University Celebrates Dedicated Employees at 2026 Service Awards Ceremony

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels and Dr. Jenkins at the 2026 Service Awards Ceremony.

Honoring Commitment, Community, and Decades of Impact Across Campus 

 

BALTIMORE — Coppin State University recognized its dedicated employees at the 2026 Service Awards Ceremony, celebrating professionals whose years of service continue to shape the university’s culture, operations, and student experience.   

From five years to thirty-five years of service, this year’s honorees represent the foundation of Coppin State–individuals whose daily work support students, strengthens academic programs, and sustains the university’s mission.  

Held as an elegant evening celebration, the ceremony brought together employees, families, and university leadership to reflect on the contributions of colleagues whose commitment has helped define Coppin’s impact in Baltimore and beyond.  

“These individuals are the backbone of Coppin State University,” said Anthony L. Jenkins, PhD, president of Coppin State University. “Their dedication, consistency, and care for our students and one another are what make this institution strong. When we talk about excellence, we are talking about them.” 

Recognition of Service Milestones 

The University recognized the following service milestones, with each level representing significant dedication to Coppin State: 

  • Five-Year Honorees — marking the beginning of a transformative commitment and invaluable institutional knowledge 

  • Ten-Year Awardees — demonstrating a full decade of reliable service, mentorship, and steadfast support 

  • Fifteen-, Twenty-, and Twenty-Five Year Recipients — exemplifying profound commitment that has shaped the institution and inspired colleagues 

  • Thirty- and Thirty-Five Year Honorees — living legacies who have witnessed and guided Coppin's evolution, embodying institutional memory and loyalty 

 

Recognizing Presidential Leadership 

Among this year’s honorees, Anthony L. Jenkins was recognized for five years of service to Coppin State University, marking a period of significant progress and institutional growth. 

Since assuming the presidency, Jenkins has led efforts that have strengthened the university’s trajectory, including: 

  • Achieving the highest student retention rate in Coppin’s history, now approximately 75 percent  

  • Increasing male student enrollment by more than 50 percent since 2021  

  • Advancing student success outcomes, including retention rates above national averages  

  • Securing record philanthropic support, including the largest single gift in university history  

  • Expanding academic investments and strengthening workforce-aligned programs  

 

Under his leadership, Coppin has sharpened its focus on student success, outcomes, and institutional accountability, positioning the university as a leader in urban higher education. 

“Serving Coppin State University is an honor,” Jenkins said. “This recognition reflects the collective work of our faculty, staff, and students who are committed to moving this institution forward every day.” 

2026 Service Awards Recipients 

Five Years of Service 

  • Dr. Emmanuel Atta-Obeng 

  • Erinn Brooks 

  • Tinia Brown 

  • Eric Freeman 

  • Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins 

  • Dr. John Magness 

  • Tiffanie Means 

  • Stefaine Meyerson-Beard 

  • Kimberly Nelson 

  • Fargeleh Quiwonkpa 

  • Dr. Christopher Rivera 

  • Ricardo Veney 

Ten Years of Service 

  • Vonda Clark 

  • Zachary Meakin 

Fifteen Years of Service 

  • Sarood Ali 

  • Charlytta Bailey 

  • Michael Baysmore 

  • Maria Castro 

  • Shelia Chase 

  • Dr. Seth Forrest 

  • Dr. David Graham 

  • Robert Harper 

  • Dr. Lori Harvin 

  • Dr. Kavita Hegde 

  • Bryan Preston 

  • Brian Randolph 

  • Sherman Reed 

  • Dr. Jacqueline Rhoden Trader 

  • Dina Robinson 

  • Nicole Simms 

  • Trecia Smith 

  • Dr. Hany Sobhi 

  • Jennifer Veale 

Twenty Years of Service 

  • Dr. Errol Bolden 

  • Victoria Everett 

  • Dr. Lidan Ha 

  • Dr. Garey Hyatt 

  • Christopher Kennedy 

  • Dr. Abena Lewis-Mhoon 

  • Melissa Rigby 

  • Consuella Simms 

Twenty-Five Years of Service 

  • Mohammed Ahmed 

  • Diane Daley 

  • Marcus Hammond 

  • Dr. David Scott 

Thirty Years of Service 

  • Dr. Janet Spry 

Thirty-Five Years of Service 

  • Dr. Fred Nesbitt 

  • Dr. Atma Smith 

  • Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels 

     

Honoring Administrative Professionals 

Coppin State University also recognized administrative professionals whose work ensures the smooth operation of the university and supports every corner of campus life. 

These individuals play a critical role in maintaining organization, supporting leadership, and creating a responsive and effective environment for students, faculty, and staff. 

Administrative Assistant 

  • Linda Askew 

  • Paula Briscoe 

  • Cassandra Brockington 

  • Tinia Brown 

  • Linda Brown-Davenport 

  • Marjani Carter 

  • Dijonee Carter 

  • Tyshae Dodson 

  • Marcia Flournoy 

  • Kelly Franklin 

  • Erin Gary 

  • Valencia Harris 

  • Jaia Johnson 

  • Tijuana Johnson 

  • Veroncia Keten 

  • Shahrin Masud 

  • Shirley Means 

  • Janice Moore 

  • Cindy Nicholas 

  • Sean Powell 

  • Tara Street 

  • Alecia Taylor 

  • Lita Thompson 

  • Joshua Veale 

  • Kristin Washington 

  • Ruth Wilson 

  • Lori Young 

Assistants to Vice Presidents 

  • Kelly Alexander 

  • Yvonne Oliver 

Executive Administrative Assistants 

  • Carlotta Bell-Boulware 

  • Dale Berry 

  • Erinn Brooks 

  • Laura Brown 

  • Victoria Everett 

  • Tiffany Fisher 

  • Olivia Guthrie 

  • Tameka Harris 

  • Kimberly Maybin 

  • Gloria Robbins 

  • Daphine Thomas 

  • Jennifer Veale 

Office Clerks 

  • Vonda Clark 

  • Suzette Evans 

  • Towanda Hill 

  • Michelle Jones-Wiley 

  • Heidi Leneau 

  • Jasmine Ruffin 

  • Christopher Smith 

     

A Culture of Commitment 

The Service Awards Ceremony remains a signature tradition at Coppin State, reflecting the university’s commitment to recognizing the people behind its progress. 

From administrative professionals to academic staff and student support teams, each honoree contributes to a culture centered on purpose, service, and student success. 

“At Coppin, our people are our strength,” Jenkins said. “This ceremony is about honoring the individuals who show up every day and make a difference in the lives of our students and our community.”  

Media Contact
CherRae Dickerson
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