BSU Gospel Choir Celebrates Black History in the Community The Bowie State University Gospel Choir, directed by Dr. Joan Hillsman, took to the road recently. They hit the various communities in Prince Georges County, Washington, D. C. and the extended areas in Maryland. The choir performed first at the Black History Convocation on campus. The other venues were Harmony Hall Regional Center for "Expressions of the People," which featured the renowned Tuskegee Airmen and other notables, the historic Second Baptist Church on the waterfront in the District of Columbia, Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Office of Civil Rights). The choir also performed at the BSU Open House, the Gospel Extravaganza by the Kappas on campus, and at the Montpelier Elementary School in Laurel, Md., where they were awarded plaques and accolades for three years of serving the students in their Black History Celebrations, and at Tubman Elementary School in Washington as special guests for Black History Month. The choir's a capella renditions of the Negro spirituals and Hillsman's narratives and explanation of them were applauded by the various age levels of the audience. The Bowie State University Gospel choir is in high demand for its participation and performances. Their future engagements are extensive, as they participate in the various collegiate gospel-fests and other events. The choir is looking forward to the release of a new DVD in late spring. For more information on performances or releases, contact the BSU Dept. of Fine & Performing Arts. | 
My experience at BSU has been positive. I have had the opportunity to learn from great professors who are truly interested in seeing me excel.
Dr. Gail S. Medford, a native of New Orleans and a full professor of Theatre Arts, is an alumna of Xavier University of New Orleans, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Maryland at College Park, where she received her B.A in Communication Arts, M.A. in Acting and Ph.D. in Public Communications: Theatre, respectively. 
Originally from Leslie, Ga., Felicia Mensah received her bachelor's degree in pedology from Bowie State University in May 2008. While attending the University she often mentioned how she was positively influenced by faculty members Drs. Freddie Vaughn and Kim Barnett. 
