Coppin State University Celebrates Faculty Promotions and Tenure Awards
Distinguished faculty recognized for excellence in teaching, research, service, and student success
BALTIMORE — Coppin State University is proud to recognize a distinguished group of faculty members who have earned promotions and tenure, marking significant milestones in their academic careers and reflecting the university's continued commitment to excellence in teaching, research, service, and student success.
The promotions and tenure awards follow a comprehensive and rigorous review process that evaluates faculty performance in scholarship, teaching effectiveness, professional achievement, service to the university, and contributions to their respective disciplines. Faculty candidates undergo multiple levels of review by peers, academic leaders, and university committees before final recommendations are approved.
“At Coppin, our faculty are the foundation of student success and academic excellence,” said Anthony L. Jenkins, PhD, president of Coppin State University. “Their dedication to teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service helps transform lives every day. These promotions and tenure awards recognize years of hard work, commitment, and meaningful contributions to our students, our university, and our community.”
Faculty excellence remains central to Coppin's mission of nurturing students and transforming lives. Through innovative teaching, impactful research, and community engagement, faculty members help prepare graduates to lead, compete, and thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.
“Promotion and tenure represent both recognition of outstanding accomplishments and confidence in future contributions,” said Chanta M. Haywood, PhD, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “These faculty members have demonstrated excellence in their fields and a deep commitment to our students and the university. Their achievements strengthen Coppin's academic reputation and advance our mission of educational excellence.”
This year's honorees represent a broad range of academic disciplines across the university's colleges and schools, highlighting the depth of expertise and talent within Coppin's faculty community.
Promotion to Professor
Khadijah Ali-Coleman, Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences, and Education
Johnny Rice, Criminal Justice, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
David Scott, Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences, and Education
Promotion to Associate Professor
Emmanuel Atta-Obeng, Natural Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences and Education
Teisha Dupree-Wilson, Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences, and Education
Dondra Bailey, Natural Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences and Education
Oliwatosin Olateju, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, College of Health Professions
Mercy Shenge, Applied Social and Political Science, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Claudia Thorne, Social Work, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Paulette Williams-Tillery, Social Work, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Anthony Zias, Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences and Education
Tenure Awards
Khadijah Ali-Coleman, Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences, and Education
Emmanuel Atta-Obeng, Natural Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences and Education
Dondra Bailey, Natural Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences and Education
Mercy Shenge, Applied Social and Political Science, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Oliwatosin Olateju, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, College of Health Professions
Paulette Williams-Tillery, Social Work, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Christopher Rivera, Applied Social and Political Science, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
These accomplishments reflect Coppin's ongoing momentum and investment in academic excellence. As the university continues to grow and expand opportunities for students, faculty achievement remains a cornerstone of its success.
By advancing knowledge through research, inspiring students through teaching, and strengthening communities through service, Coppin's faculty continues to make a lasting impact both on campus and beyond.
