Dear BSU Community,

As we close out our 160th anniversary year, I am thrilled to share historic news that speaks to the strength, excellence and unity of our Bowie State University family. Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has awarded Bowie State University a landmark gift of $50 million — the largest single private donation in our university’s 160-year history. This extraordinary act of generosity reflects national recognition of the transformative work taking place across our campus — from advancing academic excellence and innovation to creating pathways of opportunity for every student to thrive.

This moment belongs to all of us. I extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of the BSU community — our dedicated faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni, partners, donors and friends. Together, we have built the foundation that made this moment of unprecedented support possible.

This gift arrives at a pivotal time as we conclude our Racing to Excellence strategic plan (FY19–25). A period marked by remarkable achievements, including the launch of new academic programs aligned with workforce needs, our rise to #11 among more than 100 HBCUs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and our advancement in the Carnegie Research Classification, reflecting our growing reputation as a center for innovation and discovery. Each of these accomplishments was made possible by your collective dedication and belief in the transformative power of a Bowie State education.

On July 1, 2025, we officially launched Boldly Forward, our new strategic plan that builds on this momentum to guide Bowie State into its next era of growth and excellence. This visionary framework will allow us to expand opportunities for students, support faculty and student research, accelerate innovation and enrich the overall BSU experience.

With this transformative investment, we are better equipped than ever to fulfill our mission — closing financial gaps for students, strengthening our endowment and ensuring Bowie State continues to serve as a national model for access, equity and excellence in higher education.

Thank you to all across our BSU community for your unwavering commitment, passion and pride. You have made this historic moment possible and ensured that as we celebrate 160 years of legacy, we are also boldly shaping the next 160 years of success.

With deepest gratitude and Bulldog pride,

Aminta H. Breaux, Ph.D.
President
Bowie State University