As Bowie State University celebrates its 160th anniversary in 2025, its campus is alive with stories of perseverance, passion and purpose. Founded in 1865, Bowie State is Maryland’s first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) and one of the nation’s ten oldest, empowering students by providing innovative academic programs and transformational experiences.

This February, Bowie State takes the spotlight as the host school for the CIAA Basketball Tournament in Baltimore, set for Feb. 25 to March 1. For the university, this is more than a chance to showcase its talent on the court – it’s an opportunity to highlight how its students and athletes make a difference in their communities.

Bridging Communities Through Sports

The Bowie State women’s basketball team recently stepped off the court to lead their first-ever Special Olympics clinic, welcoming individuals with intellectual disabilities to experience the joy of basketball.

“It was a good opportunity,” said Bowie State women’s basketball coach Shadae Swan. “It gave the players a chance to display their leadership. They were able to conduct the drills, and the players did a good job of breaking everything down, demonstrating and encouraging the participants. We’re going to do it again.”

Service is a cornerstone of Bowie States athletics, where mentorship and community engagement matter as much as competition.

Champions in the Classroom

The boldness of Bowie State students extends beyond athletics. Junior Sydney Edmond, a political science major and a softball standout, embodies the university’s mission of academic excellence. In 2024, Edmond was named a Fannie Angelos Scholar, a prestigious honor for aspiring law students.

“This opportunity means so much to me as it brings me closer to my dream of becoming a lawyer,” said Edmond. “Balancing softball, academics, and leadership here at Bowie State has taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance, and I’m excited to embrace the challenges ahead with the support of my coaches, teammates, and mentors.”

Edmond’s journey reflects Bowie State’s commitment to fostering both academic and personal growth.

From Bowie to the Big Leagues

That dream-big mentality propelled former Bowie State football player Keith Johnson to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. His path to the NFL began with years of hard work, dedicated coaches and unwavering community support.

“We’re so proud of Josh and what he’s been able to accomplish at the next level,” said Kyle Jackson, Bowie State’s head football coach. “He’s always competed at the highest level on the field and, at the same time, represented himself and the program at the highest level off the field.”

Building Dreams, On and Off the Court

For student-athletes like Beulah Odiong, life at Bowie State is about more than the scoreboard. A business major with dreams of becoming an architect, Odiong balances her academics with her role as the women’s basketball team captain. Off the court, she runs entrepreneurial ventures like hairstyling and piercing.

“Playing on the basketball team has taught me discipline and teamwork, and, with that title, comes responsibility and commitment,” said Odiong. Those lessons carry over into everything she does, whether it’s in the classroom or running her own business.

A Legacy of Bold Minds

These stories are part of Bowie State’s rich legacy. For 160 years, the university has been more than a school — it’s been a movement, a community and a place where students are empowered to lead with boldness and vision.

As the CIAA Tournament shines a spotlight on Bowie State, the university celebrates not only its athletes’ achievements but also their broader impact. From hosting inclusive community events to excelling in academics and breaking into professional sports, Bowie State’s student-athletes embody the courage and determination that define the university.

About Bowie State University

Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit BowieState.edu.