Dean's Corner

Congratulations to Bowie State University for a Promise Fulfilled

By Dr. George Acquaah

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

            What promise? Well, Bowie State University prides itself as being an institution that provides quality affordable education in higher education. It is one thing saying or promising something, and quite another doing or keeping it! The proof of the pudding is in the eating, goes the adage. Well, Bowie State now has an independent alibi in a private organization that evaluates institutions of higher learning and makes recommendations to parents, so they can get the best bang for their bucks!

            You may already be aware of the recent prestigious honor bestowed upon Bowie State University by the Parents & College Organization. Well, it is worth repeating that our Bowie State University was recognized among the 10 best value universities in the nation by this organization in its most recent publication! Notable among the list were the University of Maryland College Park, the University of North Carolina at Raleigh, and the University of Florida. This recognition or label brings prestige to the institution and hence to your diploma as a graduate!

            A label projects a certain image, and with that comes expectation that can be liberating and empowering or limiting and depriving. It all depends on how you buy into your label. The recognition or label the present case brings is positive and should be empowering to all citizens of the Bulldog Nation. By buying into this label, we identify with the excellence for which the institution received this honor.

            On April 16, the BSU chapter of the Golden Key Honor Society was launched, with a founding membership of more than 350 students. This honor is bestowed upon students whose academic standing is noted among the top 15% in their class. Again, this was another event that drew attention to academic excellence at this institution. I was honored to be the guest speaker at the august ceremony. In my address, I reminded students that, by being set apart and recognized as scholars, they have been labeled and given an image they are expected to live up to! From now on, a member of an academic honor society will be expected to ‘act smart,' book smart, but also use common sense and exercise good judgment in life. The Golden Key Honor Society expects its members to also have integrity, support and promote diversity, and pursue excellence in all endeavors.  

            Excellence is not a destination but a perpetual journey. There is always room for improvement. We move from one level of excellence to another. BSU is constantly searching for ways of improving the academic preparation of students, as well as keeping down the cost of executing its mission. As a student, make it a goal to pursue excellence in all your endeavors. As the term draws to a close, determine to end it on a great note.

            Until next time, this is Dr. G saying, it is a waste of time to be very good, when you can be excellent!