Bowie State University

Last updated

Bowie State University
Bowie State University seal.png
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
EstablishedJanuary 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
Students6,171
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
MascotButch the Bulldog
Website www.bowiestate.edu
Bowie State University.svg

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 [1] and one of the ten oldest in the country. [2] Bowie State is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Contents

History

Teachers College

Bowie State University is the oldest historically black university in Maryland. [3] It was founded in 1865 by the Baltimore Association for the Moral and Educational Improvement of the Colored People as a teaching school. [4] [5] The school first used space at the African Baptist Church at Calvert Street and Saratoga Street, in Baltimore, Maryland. [5] 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. [4] [6] After being reorganized in 1883 as the Baltimore Normal School, it educated African Americans to be teachers for African American students until 1908. [5] 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. [4] [5]

Shortly thereafter, in 1910, the school moved to the Jericho Farm, a 187-acre campus in Prince George's County. [4] [5] About 60 students lived in the old farmhouse. [3] The school was renamed in 1914 as the Maryland Normal and Industrial School at Bowie. [4] [5] 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. [4] In recognition of its principal role, the school was renamed in 1935 as Maryland Teachers College at Bowie. [4]

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. [4] A Master's degree in education was added in 1969. [4]

The school was renamed Bowie State University in 1988, as a member of the University System of Maryland. [4] In the subsequent decades, Bowie continued to expand, especially in professional and Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. [4] [5] In 1992, it became the first HBCU to expand overseas, with graduate programs for military personnel stationed abroad. [1] By 2017, the school offered 20+ undergraduate majors and 30+ advanced degrees or certificate programs. [4]

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. [7] 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. [7]

In 2020, MacKenzie Scott donated $25 million to Bowie State. Her donation is the largest single gift in Bowie State's history. [8]

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. [9] 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. [10]

The university is home to The Maryland Center, [11] 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. [12]

Bowie State University offers an honors program for academically talented and ambitious undergraduate students. [13]

Schools and departments

The Bowie State torch Bowie-state-university-torch.jpg
The Bowie State torch

College of Arts and Sciences [14]

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

College of Business [14]

College of Education [14]

College of Professional Studies [14]

Campus and facilities

The Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing Bowie-state-university-science-building.jpg
The Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing
Aerial view of Bowie State University Campus, front entrance Bowie State University Front Entrance.jpg
Aerial view of Bowie State University Campus, front entrance
Aerial view of Bowie State University Campus Bowie State University.jpg
Aerial view of Bowie State University Campus
Aerial view of Bowie State University Campus Bowie State University Campus.jpg
Aerial view of Bowie State University Campus
Aerial view of Bowie State University athletic fields Bowie State University Athletic Fields.jpg
Aerial view of Bowie State University athletic fields

The campus comprises 23 buildings with more than 988,897 square feet (92,000 m2) 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. [15]

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 m2) Student Union Building, which replaced the old Wiseman Center, was inaugurated in 2013. [16] 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, [17] 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. [18] 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. [19]

In September 2007, the university began negotiations with Prince George's County for the transfer of 214 acres (0.87 km2) of land to the school. [20] 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. [20]

Athletics

Official athletics logo. Bowie State Bulldogs logo.svg
Official athletics logo.

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. [21] The Bulldogs play the following sports: [22]

In addition, BSU sponsors athletic clubs for students at the intramural and recreational levels. [23] The Fitness Room in the Leonidas James Physical Education Complex also has open hours for students, faculty, and staff. [23]

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. [24]

BSU-TV Channel 74 is a cable television station that broadcasts around the clock for the BSU community, [25] and WBSU Bulldog Nation Radio streams programming online. [25] Both stations are operated under the aegis of the Department of Communications. [26] They have converted from analog to digital technology. [25] WBSU Bulldog Nation Radio was launched in 2018 with support from Maryland-based Radio One. [27]

The university is a supporter of the Prince George's Film Festival. [28]

Music

The Symphony of Soul, also known as SOS, is the name of the marching/concert/pep band at Bowie State University. [29] 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. [29] 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

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boise State University</span> Public university in Boise, Idaho, U.S.

Boise State University (BSU) is a public research university in Boise, Idaho. Founded in 1932 by the Episcopal Church, it became an independent junior college in 1934 and has been awarding baccalaureate and master's degrees since 1965. It became a public institution in 1969.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morgan State University</span> Public historically black university in Baltimore, Maryland, US

Morgan State University is a public historically black research university in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the largest of Maryland's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). In 1890, the university, then known as the Centenary Biblical Institute, changed its name to honor Lyttleton Morgan, the first chairman of its board of trustees and a donor. It became a university in 1975.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salisbury University</span> Public university in Salisbury, Maryland, U.S.

Salisbury University is a public university in Salisbury, Maryland, United States. Founded in 1925, Salisbury University is a member of the University System of Maryland, with a fall 2022 enrollment of 7,123.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alcorn State University</span> Historically black public college in Lorman, Mississippi, US

Alcorn State University is a public historically black land-grant university adjacent to Lorman, Mississippi. It was founded in 1871 and was the first black land grant college established in the United States. The university is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Howard University</span> Historically black university in Washington, D.C.

Howard University is a private, historically black, federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C., United States. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ball State University</span> Public university in Muncie, Indiana, US

Ball State University is a public research university in Muncie, Indiana. It has three off-campus centers in Indianapolis, Indiana, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Fishers, Indiana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Towson University</span> Public university at Towson, Maryland, U.S.

Towson University is a public university in Towson, Maryland. Founded in 1866 as Maryland's first training school for teachers, Towson University is a part of the University System of Maryland. Since its founding, the university has evolved into eight subsidiary colleges with over 20,000 students. Its 329-acre campus is situated in Baltimore County, Maryland, eight miles north of downtown Baltimore. Towson is one of the largest public universities in Maryland and still produces the most teachers of any university in the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delaware State University</span> Historically black university in Dover, Delaware, US

Delaware State University is a privately governed, state-assisted historically black land-grant research university in Dover, Delaware. DSU also has two satellite campuses: one in Wilmington and one in Georgetown. The university encompasses four colleges and a diverse population of undergraduate and advanced-degree students. Delaware State University is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina A&T State University</span> Historically black university in Greensboro, North Carolina, US

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is a public, historically black, land-grant research university in Greensboro, North Carolina. It is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System. Founded by the North Carolina General Assembly on March 9, 1891, as the Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race, it was the second college established under the provisions of the Morrill Act of 1890, as well as the first for people of color in the State of North Carolina. Initially, the college offered instruction in agriculture, English, horticulture and mathematics. In 1967, the college was designated a Regional University by the North Carolina General Assembly and renamed North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas Southern University</span> Historically black university in Houston, Texas

Texas Southern University is a public historically black university in Houston. The university is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Carolina State University</span> Historically black university in Orangeburg, South Carolina, US

South Carolina State University is a public, historically black, land-grant university in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It is the only public, historically black land-grant institution in South Carolina, is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bridgewater State University</span> Public university in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, US

Bridgewater State University is a public university with its main campus in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. It is the largest of nine state universities in Massachusetts. Including its off-campus sites in New Bedford, Attleboro, and Cape Cod, BSU has the fourth-largest campus of the 29 institutions in the Massachusetts Public Higher Education System. BSU's sports teams are called the Bears. Its school colors are crimson, white, and black.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern University</span> Historically black college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

Southern University and A&M College is a public historically black land-grant university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States. It is the largest historically black college or university (HBCU) in Louisiana, a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and the flagship institution of the Southern University System. Its campus encompasses 512 acres, with an agricultural experimental station on an additional 372-acre (151-hectare) site, five miles (8.0 km) north of the main campus on Scott's Bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in the northern section of Baton Rouge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coppin State University</span> Public historically black university in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.

Coppin State University (Coppin) is a public historically black university in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It is part of the University System of Maryland and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anne Arundel Community College</span> Public college in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, U.S.

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) is a public community college in Arnold, Maryland. The college was founded in 1961 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The community college offers letters of recognition, 46 associate degree programs, and 62 certificate programs through its five schools.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central State University</span> Public historically black university in Wilberforce, Ohio, U.S.

Central State University (CSU) is a public, historically black land-grant university in Wilberforce, Ohio, United States. It is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prairie View A&M University</span> Historically black university in Prairie View, Texas

Prairie View A&M University is a public historically black land-grant university in Prairie View, Texas. Founded in 1876, it is one of Texas's two land-grant universities and the second oldest public institution of higher learning in the state. It offers baccalaureate degrees in 50 academic majors, 37 master's degrees and four doctoral degree programs through eight colleges and the School of Architecture. PVAMU is the largest HBCU in the state of Texas and the third largest HBCU in the United States. PVAMU is a member of the Texas A&M University System and Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Savannah State University</span> Historically black university in Savannah, Georgia, US

Savannah State University is a public historically black university in Savannah, Georgia. It is the oldest historically black public university in the state. The university is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bulacan State University</span> Public university in Bulacan, Philippines

Bulacan State University is a public university in Bulacan province, Philippines. Its main campus is in Malolos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benguet State University</span> Public university in Benguet, Philippines

Benguet State University (BSU) is a state university in the province of Benguet, Philippines. Its main campus is in La Trinidad.

References

  1. 1 2 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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Bowie State University History". Bowie State University. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 3 4 "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. 1 2 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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 3 "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. 1 2 "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.PD-icon.svg 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.

39°01′18″N76°45′25″W / 39.02158°N 76.75684°W / 39.02158; -76.75684

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.