Coppin State University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to academic excellence and community engagement, Coppin State University provides diverse degree programs while fostering student success through robust support systems and affordable, high-quality educational pathways for all learners.

Leadership Roles at Coppin State University

  • Chief of Staff & President, S Office - Joanne M Christopher-Hicks
  • Chief of Staff To the President - Ann-Marie Waterman
  • President & Advisor - Francis Kober
  • President - Reginald Avery
  • President - Anthony Jenkins
  • President & Association Adjunct Faculty - Synethia Green
  • Interim Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Dionne Curbeam
  • 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, manages the daily operations of the executive office. Christopher-Hicks coordinates communication between the president and various university departments to ensure alignment with institutional goals. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff & President, S Office facilitates efficient decision-making processes across the campus. This role involves overseeing high-level projects that support the university's mission of providing accessible education to a diverse student body. Joanne M Christopher-Hicks maintains rigorous standards for organizational performance while fostering collaboration among faculty and staff. Through careful management of presidential priorities, the Chief of Staff & President, S Office strengthens the university's operational capacity. Ultimately, Christopher-Hicks drives the administrative excellence required to sustain the institution's commitment to student development and community engagement within the Maryland higher education landscape.

    Ann-Marie Waterman - Chief of Staff To the President

    Ann-Marie Waterman, the Chief of Staff To the President at Coppin State University, facilitates strategic initiatives that advance the university's institutional objectives. Waterman manages the flow of information to the president, ensuring that critical issues receive timely attention from the executive leadership team. By organizing complex projects and cross-departmental efforts, the Chief of Staff To the President promotes a cohesive approach to campus governance. This role involves representing the president in various internal and external forums to maintain strong community and stakeholder relationships. Ann-Marie Waterman monitors the progress of key university goals, providing the necessary oversight to ensure accountability and performance. Through the effective management of presidential resources, the Chief of Staff To the President supports the institution's commitment to student support and personal development. Waterman ensures that the university's leadership remains focused on delivering high-quality educational experiences while navigating the evolving needs of the diverse student population.

    Francis Kober - President & Advisor

    Francis Kober, the President & Advisor at Coppin State University, provides high-level guidance on institutional policy and long-term academic planning. Kober directs the development of programs that align with the university's mission of fostering student success and community engagement. By advising on critical administrative matters, the President & Advisor ensures that the institution maintains its commitment to affordability and safety. This role involves evaluating academic performance metrics to drive continuous improvement across all degree programs. Francis Kober collaborates with the board and senior leadership to refine the university's strategic vision for future growth. Through the application of extensive educational expertise, the President & Advisor supports the university's efforts to serve adult learners and military service members effectively. Kober maintains a focus on institutional stability, ensuring that the university remains a vibrant center for learning and personal development within the Maryland higher education system.
    Francis Kober

    Reginald Avery - President

    Reginald Avery, the President at Coppin State University, leads the institution's overarching mission to provide accessible and high-quality education. Avery defines the strategic direction for academic programs, ensuring that the university meets the needs of a diverse student body. By overseeing the allocation of resources, the President supports the development of student-centered initiatives that promote academic success and personal growth. This role involves engaging with community partners to expand the university's impact and visibility. Reginald Avery fosters a culture of excellence, encouraging faculty and staff to maintain high standards in teaching and research. Through the implementation of policies that prioritize safety and affordability, the President strengthens the university's reputation as a leading institution in the region. Avery ensures that the university remains dedicated to its core values, providing a supportive environment where traditional students, adult learners, and military service members can thrive academically and professionally.
    Reginald Avery

    Anthony Jenkins - President

    Anthony Jenkins, the President at Coppin State University, drives the institution's commitment to innovation and student-focused educational outcomes. Jenkins oversees the expansion of academic offerings, ensuring that the university remains responsive to the evolving demands of the modern workforce. By championing initiatives that enhance campus life, the President creates a vibrant environment conducive to learning and personal development. This role involves building strategic alliances with industry leaders to provide students with valuable professional opportunities. Anthony Jenkins manages the university's financial and operational health, ensuring that resources are directed toward programs that maximize student success. Through the promotion of inclusive policies, the President supports the diverse needs of the student population, including international students and adult learners. Jenkins maintains a clear vision for the university's future, positioning the institution as a vital contributor to the economic and social well-being of the surrounding community and the broader state.
    Anthony Jenkins

    Synethia Green - President & Association Adjunct Faculty

    Synethia Green, the President & Association Adjunct Faculty at Coppin State University, balances executive leadership responsibilities with direct contributions to the academic curriculum. Green oversees the integration of practical teaching experiences into the university's broader strategic framework. By maintaining a presence in the classroom, the President & Association Adjunct Faculty gains unique insights into student needs and academic challenges. This role involves advocating for faculty development and ensuring that instructional quality remains a top priority across all departments. Synethia Green collaborates with academic leadership to refine degree programs, ensuring they remain relevant and effective for a diverse student body. Through the combination of administrative oversight and pedagogical engagement, the President & Association Adjunct Faculty strengthens the university's commitment to academic excellence. Green drives initiatives that bridge the gap between institutional policy and classroom reality, ultimately fostering a more supportive and successful learning environment for all students.

    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, directs the digital infrastructure supporting academic and administrative functions. Curbeam oversees the implementation of secure, scalable technology solutions that enhance the learning experience for traditional and online students. By modernizing campus networks, the Interim Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures reliable access to essential educational resources. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive institutional data while promoting innovation in classroom technology. Dionne Curbeam collaborates with academic leaders to integrate digital tools that improve student outcomes and operational efficiency. Through the deployment of advanced software systems, the Interim Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer supports the university's broader mission of academic success. Curbeam maintains a focus on technological resilience, ensuring that the university remains competitive and accessible in an increasingly digital higher education environment.
    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 Joanne M Christopher-Hicks (Chief of Staff & President, S Office), along with executives such as Ann-Marie Waterman (Chief of Staff To the President) and Francis Kober (President & Advisor).
    Who is part of Coppin State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Coppin State University includes leaders such as Joanne M Christopher-Hicks (Chief of Staff & President, S Office), Ann-Marie Waterman (Chief of Staff To the President), Francis Kober (President & Advisor) 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 & President, S Office, Chief of Staff To the President, President & Advisor, President, President.