Coppin State University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Coppin State University has 7 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, administrative operations, information technology, and academic leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and community empowerment, Coppin State University provides accessible higher education through diverse degree programs while fostering student success and personal development across the Maryland region.

Leadership Roles at Coppin State University

  • Chief of Staff To the President - Ann-Marie Waterman
  • Chief of Staff & President, S Office - Joanne M Christopher-Hicks
  • President - Reginald Avery
  • President & Advisor - Francis Kober
  • President - Anthony Jenkins
  • President & Association Adjunct Faculty - Synethia Green
  • Interim Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Dionne Curbeam
  • Ann-Marie Waterman - Chief of Staff To the President

    Ann-Marie Waterman, the Chief of Staff To the President at Coppin State University, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates executive communications. Waterman facilitates alignment between the Office of the President and various academic departments to ensure institutional goals remain prioritized. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff To the President enhances operational efficiency across the Baltimore campus. This role involves analyzing complex data to support decision-making for the University System of Maryland member institution. Ann-Marie Waterman also oversees special projects that advance the university mission of providing affordable, high-quality education to a diverse student body. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff To the President maintains organizational stability and supports the broader strategic vision of the university leadership team, ensuring that all administrative functions contribute directly to student success and institutional growth.

    Joanne M Christopher-Hicks - Chief of Staff & President, S Office

    Joanne M Christopher-Hicks, the Chief of Staff & President, S Office at Coppin State University, directs the operational activities within the executive office. Christopher-Hicks bridges the gap between executive leadership and faculty stakeholders to promote a cohesive campus environment. The Chief of Staff & President, S Office monitors the implementation of university-wide policies, ensuring compliance with state educational standards. By managing the executive calendar and prioritizing critical initiatives, the Chief of Staff & President, S Office enables the leadership team to focus on long-term academic expansion. Joanne M Christopher-Hicks also coordinates cross-departmental collaboration to improve student support services and community engagement efforts. This position requires constant evaluation of institutional performance metrics to drive continuous improvement. Through meticulous management of executive resources, Christopher-Hicks secures the operational foundation necessary for the university to serve traditional students, adult learners, and military service members effectively.

    Reginald Avery - President

    Reginald Avery, the President at Coppin State University, defines the overarching strategic direction for the institution. Avery champions initiatives that expand academic program offerings and increase accessibility for diverse student demographics. The President cultivates partnerships with community organizations and government entities to bolster the university reputation for safety and academic excellence. By guiding the executive team, the President ensures that all departments remain focused on student development and institutional sustainability. Reginald Avery also represents the university within the University System of Maryland, advocating for resources that support faculty research and student success. This leadership role involves balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for innovative campus infrastructure. Through a commitment to fostering a vibrant campus life, the President drives the university mission forward, ensuring that every student receives the support necessary to achieve personal and professional goals within a challenging academic environment.
    Reginald Avery

    Francis Kober - President & Advisor

    Francis Kober, the President & Advisor at Coppin State University, provides high-level guidance on institutional governance and long-term planning. Kober evaluates academic trends to advise the university on curriculum development and student retention strategies. The President & Advisor facilitates communication between the board and executive leadership to ensure alignment with the university core mission. By leveraging extensive experience in higher education, the President & Advisor supports the implementation of policies that enhance the student experience. Francis Kober also monitors the effectiveness of community engagement programs, ensuring that the university remains a pillar of support for the Baltimore area. This role involves analyzing institutional data to identify opportunities for growth and operational refinement. Through strategic advisory, the President & Advisor strengthens the university commitment to affordability and academic success, helping the institution navigate the complexities of the modern educational landscape while maintaining a focus on student-centered outcomes.
    Francis Kober

    Anthony Jenkins - President

    Anthony Jenkins, the President at Coppin State University, leads the institution in its mission to provide transformative educational experiences. Jenkins oversees the execution of strategic plans designed to increase enrollment and improve graduation rates among diverse student groups. The President fosters an inclusive campus culture that prioritizes student support and personal development. By engaging with alumni and external stakeholders, the President secures the resources necessary to maintain the university status as an affordable and safe learning environment. Anthony Jenkins also directs the university efforts to expand online degree programs, reaching adult learners and military service members across the region. This leadership role involves managing complex institutional budgets and ensuring that academic programs meet the evolving needs of the workforce. Through a focus on innovation and community impact, the President drives the university toward greater prominence within the University System of Maryland, ensuring long-term success for all students.
    Anthony Jenkins

    Synethia Green - President & Association Adjunct Faculty

    Synethia Green, the President & Association Adjunct Faculty at Coppin State University, integrates executive leadership with direct academic instruction. Green manages institutional initiatives while maintaining a focus on the quality of classroom delivery for undergraduate and graduate students. The President & Association Adjunct Faculty bridges the gap between administrative policy and faculty needs, ensuring that academic standards remain high across all departments. By participating in the educational process, the President & Association Adjunct Faculty gains unique insights into student challenges and successes. Synethia Green also coordinates with other university leaders to refine student support services and enhance the overall campus experience. This dual role requires balancing administrative responsibilities with the demands of teaching, providing a holistic perspective on university operations. Through this engagement, the President & Association Adjunct Faculty supports the university mission of fostering personal development and academic achievement for a diverse student body, including traditional and international learners.

    Dionne Curbeam - Interim Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Dionne Curbeam, the Interim Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Coppin State University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern academic delivery. Curbeam oversees the deployment of secure network systems and online learning platforms essential for the university diverse student population. The Interim Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer drives the integration of advanced educational technologies to enhance classroom engagement and administrative productivity. By securing campus data and optimizing IT resources, Dionne Curbeam ensures that students and faculty maintain reliable access to critical academic tools. This leadership role involves collaborating with university stakeholders to align technology investments with the broader mission of affordability and student success. Through the modernization of digital services, the Interim Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer strengthens the university competitive position within the University System of Maryland, facilitating seamless transitions for international students and adult learners alike.
    Dionne Curbeam

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Coppin State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Coppin State University?
    Coppin State University is led by Ann-Marie Waterman (Chief of Staff To the President), along with executives such as Joanne M Christopher-Hicks (Chief of Staff & President, S Office) and Reginald Avery (President).
    Who is part of Coppin State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Coppin State University includes leaders such as Ann-Marie Waterman (Chief of Staff To the President), Joanne M Christopher-Hicks (Chief of Staff & President, S Office), Reginald Avery (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Coppin State University have?
    Coppin State University has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Coppin State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Coppin State University includes roles such as Chief of Staff To the President, Chief of Staff & President, S Office, President, President & Advisor, President.