Coppin State University Celebrates National Nurses Week, Honoring the Impact of Its Nursing Program Across Baltimore and Beyond

From West Baltimore to the Nation, Coppin Nurses Lead with Skill, Compassion, and Purpose 

BALTIMORE — As the nation recognizes National Nurses Week (May 6–12), Coppin State University is celebrating the students, faculty, alumni, and clinical partners who continue to strengthen the nursing profession and expand access to quality care in Baltimore, across Maryland, and throughout the nation. 

For decades, Coppin’s Helene Fuld School of Nursing has been a cornerstone of the university’s mission to prepare highly skilled, compassionate nurses who are equipped to meet the evolving demands of health care. Rooted in a legacy of access and opportunity, the program has produced generations of nurses who serve on the front lines of care in hospitals, community clinics, schools, and public health systems. The program has grown to include two doctoral pathways a Post masters Doctor of Nursing Practice program and a BSN to doctoral pathway with preparation as a Family Nurse Practitioner. There are two nurse managed Health Centers the (CSU Community Health Center and the Coppin Clinic at St. Frances). 

“At Coppin, nursing is more than a profession. It is a calling grounded in service, equity, and impact,” said Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins, president of Coppin State University. “Our graduates are not only delivering high-quality care, they are improving health outcomes, addressing disparities, and strengthening communities across Baltimore and beyond.” 

Coppin’s nursing program plays a vital role in addressing critical workforce needs in Baltimore, where access to culturally competent care remains essential. Through strong partnerships with local health systems and community organizations, students gain hands-on clinical experience while serving diverse and often underserved populations. These experiences prepare graduates to enter the workforce ready to lead with both skill and empathy. 

Across Maryland, Coppin-trained nurses are helping to fill urgent shortages in the health care workforce, particularly in urban and community-based settings. The university’s emphasis on real-world training, community engagement, and academic rigor ensures that graduates are prepared to meet the state’s most pressing health challenges. 

“Coppin’s nursing program is built on the belief that excellence in care begins with preparation, compassion, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve,” said Joan Sylvia Tilghman, Ph.D. RN, CRNP, WHNP-BC, CNE, Professor and Dean and Director of Health Centers at Coppin State University. “Our undergraduate and graduate students are not only educated to meet clinical standards, they are prepared to lead, advocate, and innovate in ways that improve lives and advance health equity at every level. Our doctoral program is nationally recognized as a trailblazer among HBCUs for advancing equity by increasing access to and completion of doctoral education for underrepresented minorities.” 

Nationally, Coppin continues to contribute to a more diverse and representative nursing workforce. As a historically Black university, Coppin plays a critical role in educating nurses who reflect the communities they serve, helping to build trust, improve patient outcomes, and advance health equity across the country. 

Faculty within the program remain at the forefront of nursing education, integrating simulation-based learning, evidence-based practice, and emerging technologies into the curriculum. Their work ensures that Coppin students are prepared not only for today’s health care environment, but for the future of the profession. 

During National Nurses Week, Coppin also recognizes the contributions of its alumni, many of whom serve in leadership roles across health systems, public health agencies, and academic institutions. Their impact is a testament to the strength of Coppin’s nursing education and its enduring commitment to excellence. 

“As we celebrate National Nurses Week, we honor the dedication, resilience, and compassion of nurses everywhere,” Jenkins said. “At Coppin, we are proud to prepare the next generation of nurse leaders who are advancing care, changing lives, and making a lasting difference in the world.”