Coppin State University IDEA Team Earns 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Innovation in Accessibility
National Recognition Highlights University’s Leadership in Creating Accessible and Inclusive Digital Learning Environments
BALTIMORE – Coppin State University’s Innovation, Development, Education, and Assessment (IDEA) Team has earned a 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Innovation in Accessibility, an international honor recognizing colleges and universities that are advancing accessible and inclusive teaching and learning through innovative use of educational technology.
Presented annually by Blackboard, the Catalyst Awards recognize higher education institutions worldwide that are transforming education through innovation and excellence. The Innovation in Accessibility Award honors institutions that use Blackboard and Ally to remove barriers to learning, improve the accessibility of digital course materials, and create more equitable educational experiences for all students.
“This international recognition reflects Coppin State University’s unwavering commitment to student success, innovation, and inclusive excellence,” said Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D., president of Coppin State University. “Accessibility is fundamental to our mission of expanding educational opportunity and ensuring every student has the resources and support to reach their full potential. I congratulate our IDEA Team for their leadership and dedication to creating learning environments where every student can thrive. Their work exemplifies the innovation and collaboration that continue to move Coppin forward.”
The IDEA Team, housed within Coppin’s Division of Information Technology, works collaboratively with faculty and academic leaders to strengthen digital teaching and learning through instructional technology, course design, faculty development, and accessibility initiatives. By leveraging Blackboard and Ally, the team has helped improve the accessibility of digital course content, supported faculty in designing more inclusive courses, and enhanced the learning experience for students across the University.
“Our goal has always been to create learning environments where every student can thrive,” said Dr. Dionne N. Curbeam, vice president for information technology and chief information officer. “Receiving this award is a tremendous honor and reflects the collaborative efforts of our team to ensure accessibility is embedded throughout the educational experience. We are grateful to our faculty partners and the entire campus community for embracing inclusive teaching practices that benefit all learners.”
The award recognizes the contributions of the IDEA Team, including:
Dr. Dionne N. Curbeam, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Ms. Annie Torres, Director of IT Learning & Innovation
Dr. Wendy Velez-Torres, Senior Instructional Technologist and Digital Accessibility Specialist
Mrs. Jr-Rong Huang, Instructional Technologist
Ms. Rene Brown, Student Digital Experience Manager
Using Blackboard and Ally, the IDEA Team has expanded access to digital course materials, improved the accessibility of instructional content, and supported faculty in adopting best practices for inclusive course design. These efforts help create a learning environment where all students have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
The Blackboard Catalyst Awards celebrate institutions that are redefining higher education through technology-driven innovation. Coppin’s recognition underscores the University’s continued investment in innovative solutions that promote academic excellence, student success, and inclusive excellence.
About the Blackboard Catalyst Awards
The Blackboard Catalyst Awards recognize institutions and individuals around the world whose innovation and best practices are advancing teaching and learning through educational technology. The Innovation in Accessibility Award specifically honors institutions that use Blackboard and Ally to create more accessible, inclusive, and equitable learning experiences by improving digital accessibility and reducing barriers for students.
