Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland, launched its 160th year at a BSU community celebration on January 9, marking its rich history as Maryland’s first historically Black public university. Originally known as the Baltimore Normal School for Colored Teachers, the first school educated Black students to become teachers for other Black students. In 1911, the school moved from Baltimore to its current home in Bowie, launching a period of expansive growth.

Today, BSU offers comprehensive educational opportunities for prospective students in an enviable location accessible to Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Annapolis. Offerings include 29 undergraduate majors, 20 master’s degree programs, 16 specialty certificates and three doctoral programs. In September 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Bowie State University #11 among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities, making it one of the Top 10 public HBCUs in the country.

The BSU community honors their visionary founders, celebrates those that followed and pays tribute to all that continue these traditions with a year of celebrations. MPK&D is pleased to be a part of BSU’s community since 2019, partnering with them on the largest comprehensive campaign in their 160-year history, BSU Bold: The Campaign for Excellence.

Coverage of the launch of Bowie State University’s 160th anniversary includes a Fox 5 interview with BSU President Dr. Aminta Breaux and web pages devoted to their history and visual legacy.