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Bowie State University

Former name	Baltimore Normal School for Colored Teachers (1867–1883) Baltimore Normal School (1883–1908) Maryland Normal and Industrial School at Bowie (1908–1935) Maryland Teachers College at Bowie (1935–1963) Bowie State College (1963–1988)
Type	Public historically black university
Established	January 9, 1865 (1865-01-09)
Parent institution	University System of Maryland
Endowment	US $40 million
President	Aminta H. Breaux
Provost	Guy-Alain Amoussou
Academic staff	220
Administrative staff	372
Students	6,171
Undergraduates	5,227
Postgraduates	944
Location	Bowie, Maryland, United States
Campus	Suburban, 338½ acres (1.4 km²)
Colors	Black and gold
Nickname	Bulldogs
Sporting affiliations	NCAA Division II - CIAA
Mascot	Butch the Bulldog
Website	www.bowiestate.edu

Bowie State University (Bowie State or BSU) is a public historically black university in Prince George's County, Maryland, north of Bowie. It is part of the University System of Maryland. Founded in 1865, Bowie State is Maryland's oldest historically black university and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

History

Teachers College

Bowie State University is the oldest historically black university in Maryland. It was founded in 1865 by the Baltimore Association for the Moral and Educational Improvement of the Colored People as a teaching school. The school first used space at the African Baptist Church at Calvert Street and Saratoga Street, in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1867, a dedicated facility was purchased nearby at Saratoga Street and Courtland Street, and the school was formally named the Baltimore Normal School for Colored Teachers. After being reorganized in 1883 as the Baltimore Normal School, it educated African Americans to be teachers for African American students until 1908. At that time, the school became a state institution of teaching under the Maryland State Department of Education and was redesignated as a Normal School No. 3.

Shortly thereafter, in 1910, the school moved to the Jericho Farm, a 187-acre campus in Prince George's County. About 60 students lived in the old farmhouse. The school was renamed in 1914 as the Maryland Normal and Industrial School at Bowie. A two-year professional degree was added in 1925, a three-year program in 1931, a four-year program for elementary school teachers in 1935, a four-year program for junior high school teachers in 1951, and a four-year program for secondary school teachers in 1961. In recognition of its principal role, the school was renamed in 1935 as Maryland Teachers College at Bowie.

Bowie State University

In 1963, Bowie State College was officially named a liberal arts school – with additional majors in English, history, and social science – although emphasis remained on teacher education. A Master's degree in education was added in 1969.

The school was renamed Bowie State University in 1988, as a member of the University System of Maryland. In the subsequent decades, Bowie continued to expand, especially in professional and Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. In 1992, it became the first HBCU to expand overseas, with graduate programs for military personnel stationed abroad. By 2017, the school offered 20+ undergraduate majors and 30+ advanced degrees or certificate programs.

Bowie State University was ranked #61 in the United States and was #1 in the State of Maryland for alumni earnings above expectation according to The Economist magazine's first-ever rating of colleges in America, which was released in October 2015. They used a statistical estimate for each college based exclusively on factors such as average SAT scores, sex ratio, race breakdown, college size, whether a university was public or private, and the mix of subjects students chose to study.

In 2020, MacKenzie Scott donated $25 million to Bowie State. Her donation is the largest single gift in Bowie State's history.

Academics

BSU has 29 undergraduate majors, 20 master's programs, 3 doctoral programs, and 20 certificate programs in disciplines as diverse as computer science, education, human resource development, organizational communication, and nursing. In partnership with the University of Maryland University College, it became the first historically black university to include overseas studies. It was also the first university in the nation to offer a bachelor's degree in pedology.

The university is home to The Maryland Center, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998 providing community services. In partnership with the federal General Services Administration, the campus hosts the Bowie State University Telecommuting Center.

Bowie State University offers an honors program for academically talented and ambitious undergraduate students.

Schools and departments

College of Arts and Sciences

• Communications
• Computer Science
• Fine and Performing Arts
• History and Government
• Language, Literature & Cultural Studies
• Mathematics
• Military Science
• Natural Sciences
• Technology & Security

College of Business

• Accounting, Finance, and Economics
• Management Information Systems
• Management, Marketing, and Public Administration

College of Education

• Counseling
• Educational Leadership
• Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development

College of Professional Studies

• Behavioral Sciences and Human Services
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Social Work

Campus and facilities

This article needs to be updated. Please help update this to reflect recent events or newly available information. (March 2018)

The campus comprises 23 buildings with more than 988,897 square feet (92,000 m) of space. It is located in Bowie, Maryland, between the metropolitan areas of Baltimore (25 miles) and Washington, D.C. (17 miles). An on-campus MARC Train station and Metrobus stops provide access to local transit. There are Wi-Fi and public computer labs across campus for student use.

Twenty-three percent of students live on campus in seven residence halls. Campus events include cultural performances, lectures, and sporting events. The oldest building still in use is Harriet Tubman Hall, built in 1921. The 85,000 sq ft (7,900 m) Student Union Building, which replaced the old Wiseman Center, was inaugurated in 2013. Other recent improvements to the campus have been the $71 million Fine & Performing Arts Center, with 123,000 square feet for art, music, dance, visual communication and digital media arts, and theater programs, replacing the former Martin Luther King, Jr., Arts Center.

The $17.6 million Center for Business and Graduate Studies houses the College of Business, Graduate School, Graduate Admissions Office, the BSU Entrepreneurship Academy, and the Bowie Business Innovation Center, the first business accelerator to open at a Maryland HBCU. Other facilities include the Christa McAuliffe Residential Community (CMRC) apartments, the Computer Science Building, a facility serving the computer science and computer technology programs, and the $6.5 million Center for Learning Technology (CLT), serving the College of Professional Studies.

On campus, the Bowie State Satellite Operations Control Center (BSOCC) is an orbiting satellite operation and control center allowing students to gain hands-on experience. In 2003, the center went fully operational. It is a joint venture operated by the university, the Honeywell Corporation, and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

In September 2007, the university began negotiations with Prince George's County for the transfer of 214 acres (0.87 km) of land to the school. According to county documents, the land, valued at $1.3 million, would cost the university nothing if used "for educational uses including facilities that benefit the welfare of students and faculty in their educational experience at the University". Adding this land would increase the university's size by 63%. The main focus for the land is the development of additional student dorms. The land will also be used to establish several retail businesses that will cater to students and the community.

Athletics

Bowie State's athletes compete in the Northern Division of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, in the NCAA's Division II. They compete and/or train on-campus in Bulldog Stadium, the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex, and the A. C. Jordan Arena. The Bulldogs play the following sports:

• Basketball
• Bowling
• Cross Country
• Football
• Indoor Track & Field
• Outdoor Track & Field
• Softball
• Tennis
• Volleyball

In addition, BSU sponsors athletic clubs for students at the intramural and recreational levels. The Fitness Room in the Leonidas James Physical Education Complex also has open hours for students, faculty, and staff.

Student life

Bowie State has many academic clubs, fraternities, honor societies, organizations, sororities, and student associations. The computer, education, French, and history clubs are examples of academic clubs. The art guild, concert and marching bands, jazz and brass ensembles, and others allow students to explore the fine and performing arts.

Media

As of 2017, Bowie State has one student newspaper: The Spectrum.

BSU-TV Channel 74 is a cable television station that broadcasts around the clock for the BSU community, and WBSU Bulldog Nation Radio streams programming online. Both stations are operated under the aegis of the Department of Communications. They have converted from analog to digital technology. WBSU Bulldog Nation Radio was launched in 2018 with support from Maryland-based Radio One.

The university is a supporter of the Prince George's Film Festival.

Music

The Symphony of Soul, also known as SOS, is the name of the marching/concert/pep band at Bowie State University. The Symphony of Soul has received rave reviews following collegiate performances, and when representing the university abroad. During the fall, students always expect the usual impromptu parade through the campus by the SOS. They were also a part of the NFL 2007–2008 season opener as they performed the National Anthem with Aretha Franklin and shared the stage with other recording artists such as Aerosmith, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and others. The SOS was featured in the Original Battle of the Bands held at RFK Stadium. The SOS drumline was named as one of Showtime Magazine's top ten amongst HBCUs.

Notable alumni

• Jovan Adepo – actor
• Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, attended 2004 but not graduated – rapper, stage name Wale
• Joanne C. Benson, B.S. 1961 – Maryland State Senator
• Toni Braxton, attended but not graduated – singer, songwriter
• Trina Braxton Businesswoman, restaurantuer, actress, singer, songwriter
• Towanda Braxton – singer, songwriter, and member of the singing group The Braxtons
• Gwendolyn T. Britt, B.S. 2004 – Maryland State Senator
• Henry Frazier, III, B.S. 1993, M.A. 1999 – head football coach at Bowie State University, Prairie View A&M University, and North Carolina Central University
• Myles Frost, B.A. 2023 – actor, singer, dancer, musician, Tony Award winner for MJ the Musical
• Eunique Jones Gibson, B.S. 2007 – content creator, director, and speaker
• Andrea Harrison, B.A. 2003 – politician
• Delano Johnson – football player in the NFL and CFL
• Christa McAuliffe, M.A. 1978 – Teacher-astronaut killed in Challenger space shuttle accident
• Susie Proctor, B.S. 1962, M.A. 1973 – Maryland State Delegate
• Isaac Redman – former American football player

• Jovan Adepo
• Joanne C. Benson
• Christa McAuliffe
• Isaac Redman
• Myles Frost

References

1. ^ Bowie State University Fact Book 2003-2004 (PDF), Bowie State University, September 2004, archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2005
2. "About Bowie State University". Bowie State University. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
3. ^ "Bowie State University - Archives & Special Collections Digital Materials". HBCU Library Alliance Digital Collection: A Digital Collection Celebrating the Founding of the Historically Black College and University. HBCU Library Alliance. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
4. ^ "Bowie State University History". Bowie State University. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
5. ^ Gill, Wanda Eileen; Kosub, Mariann (2006). "History of School of Education". Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
6. Thornton, Alvin; Gooden, Karen (1997). Like a Phoenix I'll Rise: An Illustrated History of African Americans in Prince George's County, Maryland, 1696-1996. Donning Company Publishers. ISBN 9780898659849.
7. ^ "Where's best? New federal data reveal which colleges do most for their graduates' pay-packets. They are not the ones you might expect". The Economist. October 31, 2015. Retrieved July 17, 2018.
8. "MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, donates millions to Maryland and Virginia HBCUs". December 15, 2020.
9. "Programs of Study: All Programs". Bowie State University. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
10. "Doctorate in Educational Leadership". Bowie State University. Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
11. "Welcome". The Maryland Center. January 3, 2008. Archived from the original on February 8, 2015. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
12. University Relations and Marketing (February 25, 2005). "Bowie State University Telecommuting Center Announces Free One-Month Trial Offer to Federal Employees" (PDF) (Press release). Bowie State University. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 5, 2006.
13. "Undergraduate Honors Program: Program Requirements". Bowie State University. Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
14. ^ "Academics & Research: Colleges". Bowie State University. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
15. "Campus Map". Bowie State University. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
16. "Bowie State University Student Center". The Kirlin Group. October 17, 2013. Archived from the original on March 31, 2014. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
17. "Bowie State University Fine and Performing Arts Center". OneNews. Archived from the original on November 8, 2014. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
18. University Relations and Marketing (September 14, 2005). "Maryland Lt. Governor to Join Bowie State University President in Groundbreaking Ceremony; BSU Center for Business and Graduate Studies to Open January 2007" (PDF) (Press release). Bowie State University. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 4, 2007.
19. Office of University Relations and Marketing (October 15, 2003). "Official Opening of the Bowie Satellite Operations Control Center (BSOCC)" (PDF) (Press release). Bowie State University. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 5, 2006.
20. ^ Valentine, Daniel (August 23, 2007). "Bowie State University plans could bring new dorms, retail; College is in negotiation with county for more land". The Gazette. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
21. "Facilities". Bowie State Bulldogs. Bowie State University Athletics. September 9, 2007. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
22. "Bulldog Sports". Bowie State Bulldogs. Bowie State University Athletics. August 16, 2007. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
23. ^ "Intramural & Recreational Sports Program". Office of Student Life. Bowie State University. Archived from the original on April 4, 2017. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
24. "The Spectrum newspaper". College of Arts & Sciences > Departments > Communications. Bowie State University. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
25. ^ "Radio and TV Stations". College of Arts & Sciences > Departments > Communications. Bowie State University. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
26. "Communications". College of Arts & Sciences > Departments > Communications. Bowie State University. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
27. Chambers, Damita (April 18, 2018). "Bowie State University to Launch WBSU Bulldog Radio, Thanks to Radio One Support" (Press release). Bowie State University. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
28. "Bowie State University Hosts Prince George's Film Festival | Bowie State". bowiestate.edu. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
29. ^ "SOS History". Symphony of Soul. Bowie State University. 2015. Archived from the original on September 9, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
30. "Jovan Adepo - Class of 2010". Bowie States University. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
31. "The Great Rap Hope". The Washington Post.
32. "Joanne C. Benson". Maryland State Archives. December 3, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
33. McLeod, Erin R. (August 13, 2013). "Toni Braxton (b. 1968)". the Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
34. McLeod, Erin R. (August 13, 2013). "Trina Braxton (b. 1975)". the Georgia Humanities Council and the University of Georgia Press. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
35. "Towanda Braxton". Niche.com Inc. 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
36. "Gwendolyn T. Britt". Maryland State Archives. February 20, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
37. "Henry Frazier, III". North Carolina Central University. December 16, 2010. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
38. "MJ". www.tonyawards.com. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
39. "Eunique Jones Gibson". Bowie States University. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
40. "House of Delegates". msa.maryland.gov. State of Maryland. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
41. "Delano Johnson - 2011 Football". Bowie State Bulldogs. Archived from the original on June 23, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
42. "S. Christa Corrigan McAuliffe, Teacher in Spave Participant (Deceased)". Biographical Data. NASA. Retrieved March 28, 2014. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
43. "Elizabeth G. (Susie) Proctor, Maryland State Delegate". msa.maryland.gov.
44. "Isaac Redman". Pro Football Reference.com. Retrieved March 28, 2014.

External links

• Official website
• Official athletics website

v t e Colleges and universities in Maryland
Public institutions	Univ. System of MD Bowie State University Coppin State University Frostburg State University Salisbury University Towson University University of Baltimore University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science University of Maryland Eastern Shore University of Maryland Global Campus University of Maryland, Baltimore Dental Graduate Studies Law Medicine Nursing Pharmacy Public Health Social Work University of Maryland, Baltimore County University of Maryland, College Park University System of Maryland at Hagerstown Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Morgan State University National Intelligence University St. Mary's College of Maryland Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences United States Naval Academy
Private institutions	Capitol Technology University Goucher College Hood College Johns Hopkins University Loyola University Maryland Maryland Bible College & Seminary Maryland Institute College of Art McDaniel College Mount St. Mary's University Yeshivas Ner Yisroel Notre Dame of Maryland University St. John's College St. Mary's Seminary and University Stevenson University TESST College of Technology Washington Adventist University Washington College
Community colleges	Allegany College of Maryland Anne Arundel Community College Baltimore City Community College College of Southern Maryland Community College of Baltimore County Carroll Community College Cecil College Chesapeake College Frederick Community College Garrett College Hagerstown Community College Harford Community College Howard Community College Montgomery College Prince George's Community College Wor–Wic Community College
Defunct institutions	Asbury College Baltimore International College Baltimore College Baltimore Hebrew University Calvert College Chevy Chase Junior College Cokesbury College Eastern Christian College Hagerstown Business College Kee Mar College Maryland Military and Naval Academy Mount Hope College Mount Saint Agnes College National Labor College National Park Seminary New Windsor College Newton University St. Charles College Saint Joseph College Sojourner–Douglass College Washington Medical College Woodstock College

v t e Prince George's County
Washington metropolitan area
Administration	County Fire/EMS Department County Police PG County Public Schools County Sheriff
Landmarks & major employers	Commanders Field Goddard Space Flight Center Henry Wallace Agricultural Research Center Joint Base Andrews MGM National Harbor United States National Agricultural Library Prince George's Stadium Six Flags America
Transportation	MARC Train (Penn Line, Camden Line) Metrobus Metrorail TheBus
Culture & history	Flag of Prince George's County, Maryland NRHP listings in Prince George's Co. PG County Memorial Library System
Higher education	Bowie State University Prince George's Community College University of Maryland, College Park
Parks & natural areas	Anacostia Tributary Trail System Fort Washington Park Greenbelt Park Lake Artemesia Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary Patuxent Research Refuge Rosaryville State Park

39°01′18″N 76°45′25″W / 39.02158°N 76.75684°W / 39.02158; -76.75684

• Bowie State University
• Historically black universities and colleges in the United States
• Universities and colleges established in 1865
• Buildings and structures in Prince George's County, Maryland
• Universities and colleges in Prince George's County, Maryland
• 1865 establishments in Maryland
• Public universities and colleges in Maryland
• University System of Maryland campuses