Bowie State University continues to make a significant impact in the state of Maryland. The university evolved from a normal school teaching the elements of education to the state’s Black citizens denied access to state-funded schools immediately following the abolition of slavery. Today, it is a comprehensive liberal arts university that offers a holistic, nurturing learning experience for students and prepares them to make positive contributions to the community.
The Emancipation Proclamation declared free the slaves in Confederate-held lands, including 10 states not then under Union control.
The new state constitution simultaneously emancipates Maryland's 87,000 slaves and establishes the state's first free public school system.
The Baltimore Association for the Moral and Educational Improvement of Colored People is formed to establish schools for the state’s black citizens.
Under the direction of Leonard Waterman, the founding of the first “free school” for colored children is established.
School #1, the precursor to Bowie State University, offers courses in the elements of education. The normal school opens in 1866.
The U.S. government forms the Freedmen’s Bureau, which provides aid to newly emancipated slaves in the Reconstruction era after the Civil War ends.
The Civil War ends when the Confederates sign the Union negotiators’ surrender terms.
Not only did Hartwell serve as principal, but he was also designated as the sole faculty member of the Normal School.
The institution was founded as the Centenary Biblical Institute by the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The school relocates to the renovated Friends Meeting House at Courtland and Saratoga streets in Baltimore (Source: Drs. Simmons unpublished manuscript).
While principal, Doran was tasked with arranging the school into a four-tier division, including primary, grammar, normal and preparatory teachings.
Under Coore's leadership, the Normal school experienced a considerable decrease in the number of pupils.
The Baltimore Normal School for Colored Teachers received a donation of $3,500 from the trustees of the will of Nelson Wells.
When Professor Newell was principal, the school had operated a grammar school and normal school for training teachers since 1867.
The institution was initiated in Princess Anne as the Delaware Conference Academy under the auspices of the Delaware Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Coppin State University was founded by the Baltimore City School Board at the Colored High School (now known as Frederick Douglass High School).
Harrison led the school after it was reorganized to eliminate the grammar school and focus exclusively on training teachers through the normal school.
The Baltimore Normal School Board requests support from the state legislature and state Board of Education, which is granted in 1908.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is founded partly in response to the practice of lynching.
The state of Maryland purchases 187 acres of land for $5,300 to relocate the school.
The Committee on Urban Conditions Among Negroes, now known as the National Urban League, is established in New York City.
Five students from the Baltimore Normal School participated in a graduation ceremony at the Bowie location, marking the continuation of the school.
Don Speed Smith Goodloe is the first principal of Maryland Normal and Industrial School at Bowie.
The school reopens in Bowie under the name of Maryland Normal and Industrial School at Bowie.
Goodloe builds a brick house for his private residence off Jericho Park Road across railroad tracks near school.
The Red Summer refers to the summer and fall of 1919 when race riots exploded in several cities in the North and South.
The main school building now contains classrooms, kitchen, dining room, and accommodation for male students.
Students will now be able to earn a first-grade certificate after three years of high school, as well as take courses in professional subjects in their fourth year to earn a second-grade certificate. The library’s holding has expanded to 1,000 volumes. Board is $12/month, and the deposit for books and property is $4. Students awarded a partial scholarship will have board reduced to $7/month, but they must graduate and vow to go into teaching to avoid owing full board.
Dr. James administered improvements such as increasing enrollment and raising entrance requirements.
The women’s dormitory can house 48 students. A third floor is added in 1925.
The Maryland Normal and Industrial School at Bowie graduates its first two-year degree student.
The main school building is destroyed by fire.
Female students must wear uniforms, including a dark blue serge and white Middy Blouse, Middy tie, and gingham or sateen petticoats.
By 1927, there are four campus buildings: Banneker Hall, Tubman Hall, B.K. Bruce, and the Farm House.
Born in April 1909, Ms. Payne is our oldest living alumna.
The school graduates its last class of high school students, as authorized by the state Board of Education.
The 1929-30 Announcement and Catalogue displays the Alma Mater song, written by Charlotte B. Robinson, on the inside of the front cover.
The music programs include an orchestra, Men’s Glee Club, Girls’ Glee Club, Mixed Glee Club, and Girls’ Quartette.
Students can now enroll in a four-year program for training elementary school teachers. The 1935-37 Announcement reports that out-of-state students admitted if they pledge to teach two years in the state of Maryland after graduation. As of fall 1934, the school began operating as a three-year State Normal School, with the hope of adding a fourth year in near future to become a State Teachers’ College.
The school’s name changes to Maryland Teachers College at Bowie, reflecting the introduction of a collegiate teaching program.
The College Eye is student newspaper.
The Alumni Association meets for Home Coming Day and Commencement.
The class of students who started the four-year degree program graduate.
Dr. Henry’s long tenure represents an institutional transition from a small teachers training tradition to a full fledged Liberal Arts College. Henry was affectionately denoted has “the man of the hour”.
Ms. Martin was a longtime educator in Maryland schools and served as chair of the Prince George's County School Board.
John Sidney Sheppard is a loyal supporter of Bowie State University and has remained connected to his alma mater through his leadership and service.
Joseph Alexander Wiseman is the first African-American awarded a doctoral degree by the University of Maryland.
Teacher training program for secondary education begins.
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