Bowie State University: A Legacy of Education and Empowerment

Bowie State University stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring pursuit of opportunity. From its humble origins in 1865 to its current status as a comprehensive university, Bowie State has remained steadfast in its commitment to empowering a diverse student body and fostering academic excellence. Situated in Bowie, Maryland, between the metropolitan areas of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the university serves as a regional hub for education and innovation.

Historical Roots and Evolution

The story of Bowie State University begins with the Baltimore Association for the Moral and Educational Improvement of Colored People. This organization, comprised of forward-thinking individuals from various backgrounds, recognized the urgent need to provide educational opportunities for newly emancipated African Americans in Maryland. In January 1865, the association opened its first school in Baltimore, marking the genesis of what would become Bowie State University.

Early Years and the Baltimore Normal School

Initially located in the African Baptist Church, the school faced significant challenges, including inadequate facilities and limited resources. Despite these obstacles, the institution persevered, driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of education to uplift individuals and communities. Supported by private funds and the African-American community, the school functioned during Reconstruction when State government did not support Negro education, though some funding was provided by the Baltimore City Council. The Central Committee of the Society of Friends of England for the Relief of Emancipated Negroes, the New England Freedmen's Aid Society, the American Missionary Association, the Pennsylvania Freedmen's Relief Association, and the federal Freedmen's Bureau also helped.

In 1893, the school underwent a significant reorganization, emerging as the Baltimore Normal School for the Education of Colored Teachers. This new designation reflected the institution's primary focus on training African American teachers to serve African American students, filling a critical need in a segregated educational system. The term "Normal" was influenced by the French ecole normale and the Prussian normal schools, which aimed to establish standards for teacher training.

Transition to a State Institution and Relocation to Bowie

A pivotal moment in the school's history arrived in 1908 when the General Assembly designated the Baltimore Normal School as Normal School No. 3, a State institution under the State Board of Education. This marked a significant step towards greater stability and recognition, as the school transitioned from private to public control.

In 1910, the State Board of Education purchased 187 acres of land at Jericho Park, near Bowie in Prince George's County, to serve as the school's new home. The relocation to Bowie in 1911 marked a new chapter in the institution's history, as it embraced its role as a regional center for education and community development. Upon opening in its new location, the school was known as the Maryland Normal and Industrial School at Bowie. Students and staff played an active role in constructing the first buildings, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their institution. The curriculum focused on normal (teaching), industrial, and agricultural instruction, with a school farm providing sustenance for the community.

Evolution into a Comprehensive University

Over the years, the institution continued to evolve and expand its offerings, adapting to the changing needs of its students and the broader community. In 1925, the high school curriculum began to be phased out as the School began to offer college-level instruction. By 1928, the curriculum focused entirely on college courses for teacher training, with a two-year professional course for elementary school teachers. In 1935, it was renamed the Maryland Teachers College at Bowie.

The establishment of a liberal arts program in 1963 marked a turning point, leading to the institution's reorganization as Bowie State College, a four-year liberal arts college. Graduate courses were introduced in 1969, further expanding the college's academic offerings. Formerly overseen by the State Department of Education, Bowie, at that time, was among the five State colleges placed under the Board of Trustees of State Colleges. Finally, in 1988, Bowie State College achieved university status, becoming Bowie State University.

Academic Programs and Colleges

Today, Bowie State University offers a wide array of academic programs across various disciplines, catering to the diverse interests and career aspirations of its students. The university comprises four colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Professional Studies. The Graduate School offers courses in the evenings and on weekends at the University and off-campus sites, such as Joint Base Andrews (Camp Springs) and Fort George G. Meade.

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences provides students with a broad-based education in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences formed in 1995 as the School of Arts and Sciences. The Department of History & Government offers options to personalize studies and achieve individual career goals, preparing students to become the next generation of leaders. The Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) program explores how public policies are developed, articulated, and implemented in democratic societies. With guidance from expert faculty, students gain knowledge to prepare for careers in areas like law, international affairs, public policy and journalism.

Read also: A Legacy on the Court

College of Business

The College of Business is dedicated to preparing students for success in the dynamic world of business and entrepreneurship. In July 2004, the College of Business originated as the School of Business. The college offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various business-related fields, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today's competitive marketplace.

College of Education

The College of Education has deep roots in the history of Bowie State University, tracing back to the institution's origins as a normal school for teacher training. Origins of the College of Education parallel the origins of Bowie State University when by 1893 it had organized as the Baltimore Normal School for the training of teachers. In 1908, the General Assembly designated it as Normal School no. 3, a State institution (Chapter 599, Acts of 1908). After relocation to Prince George's County, the School by 1914 was known as the Maryland Normal and Industrial School at Bowie. Under Bowie State College, the training of teachers was consolidated under the Education Department, which after becoming the School of Education granted its first graduate degree, the Master of Education, in 1972. Later the School was renamed as the School of Education and Professional Studies. In July 2001, it reformed into two schools: the School of Education, and the School of Professional Studies. The School of Education awarded its first doctoral degree, the Doctorate in Educational Leadership, in 2005. The college continues to uphold this legacy by offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in education, preparing future educators to make a positive impact on the lives of their students.

College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies offers programs in fields such as nursing, social work, and information technology, preparing students for careers in high-demand professions. In July 2001, the College of Professional Studies was created as the School of Professional Studies from the merger of a division of the School of Education with the School of Professional Studies.

Graduate School

The Graduate School offers a diverse range of master's and doctoral programs, providing students with opportunities to deepen their knowledge and expertise in their chosen fields. The Graduate School began as the School of Continuing Education and Extended Studies. In July 2000, it reformed as the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education. The Graduate School is committed to fostering a vibrant intellectual community and supporting graduate students in their pursuit of academic and professional success.

Campus Life and Resources

Bowie State University offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment, with a wide range of resources and activities to enhance the student experience. The campus comprises 23 buildings with more than 988,897 square feet (92,000 m2) of space. Twenty-three percent of students live on campus in seven residence halls.

Read also: Navigating Blackboard

Thurgood Marshall Library

The Thurgood Marshall Library provides students, faculty, and staff with access to a vast collection of print, electronic, and audio-visual resources. Students, faculty, and staff within the University of Maryland System and its affiliates also may access materials from the Library. Interlibrary loan service is available.

Henry Wise Wellness Center

The Henry Wise Wellness Center provides students with accessible and confidential primary health care services. The Center was named for Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. (1920-2003), the first Medical Director at Bowie State University.

Bowie State Satellite Operations Control Center (BSOCC)

The Bowie State Satellite Operations Control Center (BSOCC) provides students with hands-on experience in satellite operation and control. In 2003, the center went fully operational.

Student Activities and Organizations

Bowie State University is home to a diverse range of academic clubs, fraternities, honor societies, organizations, sororities, and student associations. The computer, education, French, and history clubs are examples of academic clubs. The Symphony of Soul, also known as SOS, is the marching/concert/pep band at Bowie State University. During the fall, students always expect the usual impromptu parade through the campus by the SOS. They were also a part of the NFL 2007â2008 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.

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.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Bowie State University has produced a distinguished roster of alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields. Among them are:

Joanne C. Benson: Maryland State Senator.
Gwendolyn T. Britt: Former member of the Maryland House of Delegates.
Henry Frazier, III: American football coach.
Myles Frost: Tony Award-winning actor ("MJ").
Eunique Jones Gibson: Photographer and entrepreneur.
Andrea Harrison: Member of the Maryland House of Delegates.
Christa McAuliffe: Teacher and astronaut who perished in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
Susie Proctor: Former member of the Maryland House of Delegates.

tags: #bowie #state #university #history #and #programs