Coppen State president highlights enrollment surge, requests $2.7 million for campus safety

Coppen State University’s leadership described rapid enrollment growth, improved retention and growing external grant activity during a presentation to the Education, Business and Administration Subcommittee.

Micah Richards, the Department of Legislative Services analyst, told the panel that Coppen State’s fiscal 2027 allowance rises about 5.3% to roughly $134 million and flagged major enrollment and retention shifts: undergraduate enrollment rose about 30.7% in FAR 25 compared with FAR 24, applications grew 98% in the same period, second‑year retention increased while third‑year retention fell, and the university canceled two federal grants totaling $3.2 million. DLS asked the university to explain what drove the enrollment and application increases and what steps it is taking to address declines in multi‑year retention.

President Anthony L. Jenkins used his testimony to highlight institutional gains since 2021, including an increase in external grants and contracts "by more than 1,200%," progress toward a Carnegie research classification, and campus anchor‑institution projects in West Baltimore such as the Mill on North food court. Jenkins also described demographic shifts—more than 80% of students are Maryland residents and 45% remain in Baltimore City after graduation—and credited outreach and student supports for raising retention from 57% when he arrived to 75% within four years.

Jenkins told the committee that the university faces a housing and safety challenge: more than 800 students currently live off campus and projections suggest over 2,200 could do so, many in locations without university police presence. He asked lawmakers for $2.7 million in recurring operating funds to expand safety services and campus policing at off‑campus partner sites.

Committee members praised the presentation and asked for follow‑up materials DLS requested, including details on enrollment drivers, changes to the application process, and strategies to support six‑year graduation rates.

What happens next: DLS awaits Coppen State’s clarifications; the committee will weigh the governor’s allowance and any requested supplemental funding in the normal budget process.