Record Incoming Class Moves Coppin State Convocation to Arena for First Time

More than 1,500 new Eagles, keynote remarks from NBA broadcasting trailblazer Stephanie Ready ’98, first-time alumni participation and the debut of a new campus tradition mark the opening of Coppin State’s 2026–2027 academic year

BALTIMORE — Coppin State University traditionally opens each academic year by gathering its community. This year, the gathering needed a larger home.

To accommodate the record class, Convocation 2026 moved from the University’s 830-seat auditorium to the arena inside the Physical Education Complex for the first time. Coppin welcomed more than 1,500 new undergraduate students, including 1,241 first-year students.

Before entering the arena, members of the Class of 2030 gathered on the Library Quad for the Coppin Stroll and walked past the statue of University namesake Fanny Jackson Coppin on their way across campus to the Physical Education Complex.

The record incoming class represents one of the clearest signs yet of Coppin State’s enrollment momentum and the growing demand for a Coppin education.

“This record incoming class represents more than enrollment growth. It reflects growing confidence in Coppin State University and in the education, opportunity and sense of belonging we provide,” said Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D. “Moving Convocation into the arena allows us to welcome our newest Eagles alongside the faculty, staff, alumni and students who will support them throughout their journey. This is an extraordinary moment for Coppin, and we are ready to help every member of the Class of 2030 turn their potential into purpose.”

The ceremony featured keynote remarks from Stephanie Ready ’98, the pioneering sports broadcaster who became the first woman to coach a men’s professional basketball team and the NBA’s first full-time female game analyst. A former Coppin State student-athlete, Ready drew on her journey from Coppin to a history-making career to reinforce a central message: “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.”

“Your journey to greatness has begun,” Ready told the Class of 2030. “Always be prepared and stay ready so that when your opportunity presents itself, you will be the luckiest person on Earth. Go be great!”

Convocation 2026 also introduced two new elements designed to connect generations of Eagles. For the first time in University history, alumni were formally invited to attend the ceremony. Graduating seniors joined faculty and staff in welcoming new students, beginning a new tradition that connects Eagles at the start and near the completion of their Coppin journeys.

The incoming class filled the arena alongside faculty members in full academic regalia, staff, graduating seniors, honors students, Student Government Association leaders, members of the Royal Court and alumni.

Fall 2026 Incoming Class at a Glance

Convocation 2026 comes as Coppin State advances its 2025–2030 strategic plan and strengthens its role as an anchor institution for Baltimore and the state of Maryland.