Reginald S. Avery Resigns Post as President of Coppin State University
(BALTIMORE - October 24, 2012) - Reginald S. Avery, President of Coppin State University, announced today that he is resigning his position of President effective January 22, 2013. In making his departure announcement, Dr. Avery said, “Serving as President of Coppin State University has been the highlight of my career in higher education."
He added, "I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to lead an institution that is so vitally important to the community and the students that we serve. There comes a time when leaders must step aside to allow for continued institutional growth, and for me that time has come. I am grateful to the entire Coppin Campus community for their commitment to the students and mission of Coppin State University.”
One of 12 institutions in the University System of Maryland (USM), Coppin State University has a culturally rich 112-year history as an institution providing quality educational programs and community outreach services. Coppin State University is a model urban, residential liberal arts university located in the northwest section of the City of Baltimore and offers 53 majors and nine graduate-degree programs. A fully accredited institution, Coppin serves Baltimore residents as well as students from around the world.
Dr. Avery officially assumed the presidency of Coppin State University on January 14, 2008. His background includes more than 35-years of distinguished service in higher education. Prior to serving as Coppin’s fifth president he held the positions of Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of South Carolina, Provost at Alma College in Michigan, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Kentucky State University among other positions.
William E. Kirwan, Chancellor of the University System of Maryland, offered the following statement. “I am grateful to President Avery for his five years of service to Coppin State University, the University System of Maryland, and the state. His demonstrated commitment to advancing Coppin State will impact the university’s progress in the years ahead. Soon, I will announce the appointment of an interim president who will lead the Coppin community and help ensure that the university moves forward during this period of transition.”
During the past five years Coppin State University has made advancements. Several key highlights include:
· Launched initiatives to reverse the course of declining retention rates for first-time, full-time students by implementing effective student support initiatives;
· Greatly expanded the use of technology in every aspect of the university from academic to operational applications generating national acclaim for Coppin in the area of information technology innovation;
· Expanded Coppin’s renowned nursing and allied health programs into the College of Health Sciences which now offers the only Health Information Management degree in the mid-Atlantic region;
· Established a new School of Business which currently offers a fully accredited on-line business degree program;
· Enhanced Coppin’s campus physical infrastructure with new and improved capital projects including plans to break ground on a new $68 million science and technology building before the end of December 2012.
“On behalf of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, I thank President Avery for his leadership of Coppin State University. As a member of the state’s public higher education system, Coppin plays a very important role in providing access, opportunity, and services to students and the greater Baltimore community said James L. Shea, chair of the USM Board. “The regents wish President Avery success as he takes on new challenges.”
Dr. Avery added, “It has been my privilege and honor to have served as President of Coppin and to have worked with a talented and dedicated team of individuals who care deeply about the university and our students. I am proud of what we have achieved together.”
