Faculty Institute
About Faculty Institute:
Prior to the opening of each Fall and Spring semester, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) organizes and facilitates the Faculty Institute, a signature event where Bowie State University faculty, staff, and leadership come together for professional development, skill building, and community engagement to further the pursuit of excellence. The Institute features remarks from President Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, Provost Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou, and CETL Director Dr. Eva Garin, and provides opportunities to learn from guest presenters, engage in cross-disciplinary collaborations, and participate in peer-to-peer instruction. With interactive sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, the Institute creates a supportive space to share ideas, build community, and prepare for a successful academic year.
An archive of past Faculty Institute activities can be viewed below.
2025 Fall Faculty Institute
Faculty Research: Moving Towards Academic Distinction
August 18–19, 2025 | The Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) proudly hosted the Fall 2025 Faculty Institute, bringing together faculty across disciplines for two days of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. This year’s theme, “Faculty Research: Moving Towards Academic Distinction,” highlighted Bowie State’s ongoing commitment to advancing scholarship, teaching excellence, and community impact.
The two-day program opened with the State of The University Address from President Dr. Aminta H. Breaux and featured remarks from Provost Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou. Faculty particicipated in Research Cafés, Breakout Sessions, and Gallery Walks on emerging topics such as AI in teaching, global education, grantsmanship, and research dissemination with Adobe tools. A campus favorite, Pizza with the President, gave faculty a chance to engage informally with Dr. Breaux. Faculty also connected through college and department meetings, mentorship opportunities, and creative community-building activities like Paint & Sip and Line Dancing.
The Institute celebrated faculty innovation, highlighted the work of the 2025–2026 CETL Fellows and SoTL Grant recipients, and reaffirmed Bowie State’s commitment to advancing scholarship, teaching excellence, and student success.
2025 Spring Faculty and Staff Institute
"Bowie State University's 160th Anniversary"
January 20-22, 2025 | The Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Bowie State University
Bowie State University hosted the 2025 Spring Faculty and Staff Institute on January 21–22, 2025, led by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). In celebration of Bowie State’s 160th anniversary, the Institute honored the university’s legacy while inspiring faculty and staff to advance academic excellence and student success in the year ahead.The two-day program featured presidential and provost updates, professional development sessions, and collaborative discussions to strengthen teaching, research, and service.
2024 Fall Faculty and Staff Institute
"Innovation, Collaboration, and Student Success"
August 19-20, 2024 | Student Center Ballroom and Fine and Performing Arts Buillding, Bowie State University
Bowie State University hosted the 2024 Fall Faculty Institute on August 19–20, 2024, under the theme “Innovation, Collaboration, and Student Success.” Organized by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), the Institute set the tone for the academic year with a focus on creativity, partnership, and impactful teaching. Highlights included breakout sessions on digital tools, global education, and research-to-practice strategies. Faculty also engaged in PechaKucha presentations—a fast-paced format featuring 20 slides shown for 20 seconds each—to share innovative scholarship, along with a creative Sip & Write session designed for networking, reflection, and idea-sharing in a relaxed setting. The Institute emphasized collaboration, innovation, and Bowie State’s ongoing commitment to student success.
-BSU Faculty Insitute Fall 2024, August 19-20
2024 Spring Faculty and Staff Institute
"Shaping the Future: Innovation, Collaboration, and Student Success"
January 23-25, 2024 | Student Center Ballroom and The Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Bowie State University
Led by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), Bowie State University hosted the 2024 Spring Faculty and Staff Institute on January 23–25, 2024, under the theme “Shaping the Future: Innovation, Collaboration, and Student Success.” The Institute opened with a Pre-Conference on Instructional Technology and continued with two days of sessions designed to strengthen teaching, research, and service. Faculty engaged in multidisciplinary sessions on artificial intelligence, experiential learning, research methods, Adobe tools, Blackboard Ultra, and funding strategies. Faculty also participated in the Library Research Café, offering hands-on support with research resources, and enjoyed a Dessert & Discussion session that fostered collaborative conversations in a more informal setting. The 2024 Spring Institute provided faculty and staff with new tools, fresh perspectives, and community connections to advance innovation, collaboration, and student success.
Spring 2024 Faculty Institute Programming:
- Pre-Conference on Instructional Technology, Tuesday, January 23
Pre-Conference Agenda/Program (PDF) - Keynote and Breakout Sessions, Wednesday, January 24
- Addresses from President Breaux & BSU's Institutional Leadership, Thursday, January 25
2023 Fall Faculty Institute
"The Teaching Professor: Teaching, Research and Service"
August 23-24, 2023 | Student Center Ballroom and The Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2023 Fall Faculty Institute on August 23–24, 2023, under the theme “The Teaching Professor: Teaching, Research and Service". Special features included a panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education and Adobe Day, which offered hands-on training with Adobe Express, Portfolio, and Rush to enhance teaching, professional development, and research dissemination.
Fall 2023 Welcome by Institutional Leadership (YouTube)
2023 Spring Faculty Institute
"Who Are We Post-Pandemic?"
January 25-26, 2023 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2023 Spring Faculty Institute on January 25–26, 2023, under the theme “Who Are We Post-Pandemic?” Breakout sessions focused on Bowie State’s path toward R2 research status, strategies for student success, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Special features included a panel on post-pandemic teaching practices and Adobe Day, where faculty explored creative digital tools to enhance instruction and scholarship. The Institute emphasized innovation, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to equity and student success in a post-pandemic landscape.
- Spring 2023 Faculty Institute Program (PDF)
- Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, President, Welcome Speech
- Dr. Felecia Commodore, Shared Governance Presentation
- Dr. Carl B. Goodman, Vice President and Provost, Welcome Speech
- Breakout Sessions for the 2023 Faculty Institute
- Video Overview of the 4 Break Out Sessions
- Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education: Strategies for Teaching” presentation by Rita Kumar and Brenda Refaei for Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning at Ohio State University
- Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) Inclusive Teaching Practices Toolkit
- Columbia University FAQ Guide to Pronouns in Use for Faculty and Instructors
2022 Spring Faculty Institute
Hyflex and Virtual Sessions
January 19-20, 2022 | Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2022 Faculty Institute on January 19–20, 2022, blending HyFlex and virtual sessions to support faculty innovation and growth.Key focus areas included Adobe Creative Cloud for digital teaching, equity and culturally relevant pedagogy, the entrepreneurial mindset for innovation, and interfaith awareness for global leadership. Faculty shared their takeaways in a Virtual Gallery Walk, participated in a Title III panel discussion, and connected through college and department meetings. The 2022 Institute emphasized inclusive practices, digital creativity, and entrepreneurial approaches, equipping faculty with new strategies to enhance teaching, learning, and student success.
2022 Fall Faculty Institute
"Trauma Based Teaching & Learning"
August 25, 2022 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2022 Fall Faculty Institute on August 17–18, 2022, under the theme “Trauma Based Teaching and Learning.” The two-day program focused on innovative teaching practices, student success, and research development. Faculty engaged in workshops on experiential learning, assessment, and inclusive pedagogy, along with discussions that emphasized strategies for supporting students and faculty through trauma-informed approaches.
2021 Spring Faculty Institute (Virtual)
"Burning Bright Instead of Burning Out: Adapting to Change Through Innovative Ideas for Student Engagement"
January 21, 2021 | Virtual, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2021 Spring Faculty Institute on January 21, 2021, under the theme “Burning Bright Instead of Burning Out: Adapting to Change Through Innovative Ideas for Student Engagement.” Faculty explored topics such as grief and loss during COVID-19, inclusive teaching, and strategies for innovation in a rapidly changing academic environment.
2021 Fall Faculty Institute
"High Impact Teaching (HIT) Practices" & "Pandemic Habits: How to Keep the Good Ones and Leave the Bad Ones Behind"
August 25-26, 2021 | Student Center Ballroom & Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing Building and Hyflex, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2021 Fall Faculty Institute on August 25–26, 2021, under the themes “High Impact Teaching (HIT) Practices” and “Pandemic Habits: How to Keep the Good Ones and Leave the Bad Ones Behind.” Faculty engaged in breakout sessions on writing instruction, experiential learning, and pedagogy, along with a panel discussion on using the syllabus as a powerful teaching tool.
2020 Spring Faculty Institute
"Promoting Student Success Through a Deep Dive Into High Impact Educational Practices"
January 22-23, 2020 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2020 Spring Faculty Institute on January 22–23, 2020, under the theme “Promoting Student Success Through a Deep Dive Into High Impact Educational Practices.” The program featured a keynote by Dr. Gordon Uno on helping all students succeed using high-impact practices. Faculty participated in breakout sessions on inclusive STEM teaching, ePortfolios, learning communities, and digital badging, along with a Dessert & Discussion with university leadership and a session on shared governance.
2020 Fall Faculty Institute (Virtual)
"Teaching Through the Pandemic"
August 26-27, 2020 | Virtual, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2020 Fall Faculty Institute virtually on August 26–27, 2020, under the theme “Teaching Through the Pandemic.” The program featured sessions that addressed assessment redesign, online teaching strategies, faculty wellness, and student engagement during COVID-19. Special highlights included workshops on maintaining work-life balance, supporting mental health, and innovative uses of Blackboard and digital tools to adapt teaching for a fully remote environment.
2019 Fall Faculty Institute
"Unpacking the Content of the BSU Race Courses with a Focus on High Impact Educational Practices (HIPs)"
August 21-22, 2019 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2019 Fall Faculty Institute on August 21–22, 2019, under the theme “Unpacking the Content of the BSU Race Courses with a Focus on High Impact Educational Practices (HIPs).” Faculty engaged in breakout sessions on inclusive teaching, high-impact practices, online and digital learning tools, advising, and student success, along with a panel on the AASCU Student Success Academy. The Institute emphasized innovation, equity, and strategies to enhance teaching, research, and student outcomes.
2019 Spring Faculty Institute
"Unpacking the Content of the BSU Race Courses with a Focus on High Impact Educational Practices (HIPs)"
January 23-24, 2019 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2019 Spring Faculty Institute on January 23–24, 2019, under the theme “Creating a Thriving and Engaged Campus Through a Strengths-Based Lens.” The program featured a keynote from Kelly Peaks Horner on the value of strengths and wellbeing in achieving excellence. Faculty participated in interactive workshops and breakout sessions applying the StrengthsFinder framework to areas such as student success, advising, curriculum design, leadership, and global citizenship. The Institute emphasized building on faculty strengths to foster engagement, institutional viability, and student achievement.
2018 Fall Faculty Institute
"Examining High Impact Practices Through the Lens of Habits of Mind"
August 23-24, 2018 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2018 Fall Faculty Institute on August 22–23, 2018, under the theme “Examining High Impact Practices Through the Lens of Habits of Mind.” Faculty engaged in breakout sessions on active learning, entrepreneurship and service learning, general education, and integrating undergraduate and graduate research. Special highlights included a keynote and workshop by Dr. Amy Goodburn (University of Nebraska–Lincoln) on scholarly teaching and a session by Dr. Erin Dolan (University of Georgia) on integrating research into coursework. The Institute emphasized innovation, reflection, and collaboration to advance student success.
2018 Spring Faculty Institute Retreat
"We Are Racing Towards Excellence!"
January 17-18, 2018 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The 2018 Spring Faculty Institute at Bowie State University, organized by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) under the leadership of Dr. Eva Garin, was a two-day professional development retreat that brought together faculty, staff, and leadership for collaboration, learning, and community engagement. The event featured facilitated discussions with national experts including Dr. H. Richard Milner IV, Dr. MJ Bishop, Dr. Tiffany Mfume, and Dr. Ivory Toldson, who guided conversations on student success, academic excellence, and institutional sustainability. Faculty also participated in interactive workshops, breakout sessions, and departmental meetings focused on teaching innovation, research, and student engagement, creating an energizing space to exchange ideas, strengthen connections, and prepare for the semester ahead.
2017 Fall Faculty Institute
"Empowering and Equipping Faculty to Promote Student Excellence: What’s in Your Toolkit?"
August 23-24, 2017 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2017 Fall Faculty Institute on August 23–24, 2017, under the theme “Empowering and Equipping Faculty to Promote Student Excellence: What’s in Your Toolkit?” The program featured keynotes by Dr. Christopher Emdin (Columbia University) on new approaches to teaching and retention and Patricia Miller on writing across the disciplines. Faculty engaged in panels and breakout sessions on supporting students in distress, accessibility, inclusive teaching, and academic writing. The Institute emphasized innovation, collaboration, and strategies to strengthen student learning and success.
2017 Faculty Institute Welcome & Keynote Address
2017 Spring Faculty Institute
“Writing… is the Great Invention of the World”
January 18-19, 2017 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2017 Spring Faculty Institute on January 18–19, 2017, under the theme “Writing… is the great invention of the world” (Abraham Lincoln). The two-day program opened with welcomes from President Mickey L. Burnim, Provost Dr. Weldon Jackson, and CETL Director Dr. Eva Garin, and featured keynote speaker Dr. Wendy Belcher of Princeton University, who led workshops on publishing journal articles.Faculty engaged in concurrent sessions on topics such as writing across the curriculum, undergraduate research, working with challenging students, spirituality in professional life, flipped classrooms, and technology integration. The Institute also included CETL updates, LOTTO presentations, and college and department meetings, providing a mix of professional development, research support, and community building for Bowie State faculty.
2016 Fall Faculty Institute
"Inspired College Teaching, Scholarship & Service"
August 24-25, 2016 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2016 Fall Faculty Institute on August 24–25, 2016, bringing faculty together for two days of professional learning and collaboration. The Institute opened with remarks from President Mickey L. Burnim, Provost Dr. Weldon Jackson, and CETL Director Dr. Eva Garin, followed by a keynote from Dr. Tiffany Mfume of Morgan State University on increasing retention and graduation rates at HBCUs. Faculty participated in breakout sessions on tenure and promotion portfolios, classroom action research, Blackboard tools, STEM-focused undergraduate research experiences, and a series of engaging Book Talks on teaching and scholarship. Day two featured CETL updates, LOTTO faculty recognitions, workshops on mobile devices, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, and assessing civility on campus, along with a presidential meeting with deans, chairs, and directors.
2016 Spring Faculty Institute
January 20-21, 2016 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2016 Spring Faculty Institute on January 20–21, 2016, offering faculty two days of professional development and collaboration. The event opened with welcomes followed by keynote speaker Dr. H. Richard Milner IV of the University of Pittsburgh, who addressed “Publishing in a Teaching University: Towards a Balancing Act.” Faculty participated in concurrent sessions on culturally responsive teaching, supporting multilingual writers, using SPSS in the classroom, mobile devices for learning, inclusive curriculum design, entrepreneurship, and effective STEM teaching. Day two featured CETL updates, LOTTO presentations, workshops on Blackboard and library tools, contemplative teaching practices, and a Writing Your Journal Article in 12 Weeks session.
2015 Fall Faculty Institute
"Student Centered Teaching and Learning"
August 26-27, 2015 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The 2015 Fall Faculty Institute at Bowie State University, coordinated by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) under the direction of Dr. Eva Garin, was a two-day event focused on supporting faculty through professional development and collaboration. It opened with welcome remarks followed by a keynote address from Dr. Steve Ehrmann of the University System of Maryland’s Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation. Faculty engaged in a panel discussion on course redesign featuring Bowie State colleagues, then chose from a variety of breakout sessions covering topics such as research writing, teaching strategies, mobile learning, career-life balance, and student success. The second day offered interactive workshops on areas including curriculum development, tenure and promotion, Blackboard, and syllabi best practices, along with time for college- and department-level meetings. Together, the Institute provided a supportive forum for faculty to share expertise, explore innovative teaching approaches, and prepare for the academic year.
Digital Program (PDF)2015 Spring Faculty Institute
January 21-22, 2015 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The 2015 Spring Faculty Institute at Bowie State University, hosted by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) under the leadership of Dr. Eva Garin, was a two-day professional development event designed to inspire collaboration, innovation, and teaching excellence among faculty. The Institute opened with remarks from President Dr. Mickey L. Burnim and Provost Dr. Weldon Jackson, setting the tone for a program that emphasized student-centered learning and instructional innovation. Faculty participated in interactive workshops, presentations, and discussions focused on enhancing pedagogy, integrating technology, and improving student engagement and success across disciplines. Sessions provided hands-on strategies for course design, assessment, and classroom practice, while also offering opportunities for networking, reflection, and collegial exchange. The event reinforced Bowie State’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and the professional growth of its faculty community.
2014 Fall Faculty Institute
August 20-21, 2014 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2014 Fall Faculty Institute on August 20–21, 2014, at Bowie State University under the theme “Academic Transformation for Student Success.” The two-day event opened with greetings from President Mickey L. Burnim, Provost Dr. Weldon Jackson, and CETL Director Dr. Eva Garin, followed by a keynote presentation from Dr. J. Luke Wood of San Diego State University. Faculty participated in interactive sessions and workshops focused on academic innovation, technology integration, and equity in higher education. The Institute fostered cross-campus collaboration and provided strategies to enhance teaching effectiveness, research engagement, and student learning outcomes.
2014 Spring Faculty Institute
January 23-24, 2014 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2014 Spring Faculty Institute on January 23–24, 2014, focusing on the theme of faculty development through teaching, scholarship, and personal well-being. The Institute featured keynote speaker Dr. Bryant Marks of Morehouse College, who presented “Closing the Achievement Gap.” Sessions emphasized innovative teaching strategies, technology integration, and professional growth. Faculty explored topics such as flipped classrooms, iPad-based instruction, peer observation, and research development, along with wellness sessions on yoga, meditation, pilates, acupuncture, and mindfulness. The event highlighted CETL’s holistic approach to supporting faculty as teachers, scholars, and individuals committed to student success.
Digital Program (PDF)
2013 Spring Faculty Institute
"Research-In-Progress"
January 16-17, 2013 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The 2015 Spring Faculty Institute at Bowie State University, coordinated by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) under the leadership of Dr. Eva Garin, was a two-day professional development event dedicated to empowering faculty through innovation, reflection, and collaboration. The Institute opened with remarks from President Dr. Mickey L. Burnim and Provost Dr. Weldon Jackson, followed by a keynote address from Michelle Singletary, nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post, who shared insights on purpose, perseverance, and financial empowerment in education and life. The program featured interactive workshops, collaborative sessions, and a Gallery Walk showcasing faculty accomplishments and creative work, as well as a moving poetic tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou presented by Dr. Monifa Love Asante. Together, these experiences fostered a spirit of community, creativity, and academic excellence as faculty prepared for a new semester of teaching and learning.
2013 Fall Faculty Institute
"What the Best College Teachers Do"
August 28-29, 2013 | Student Center Ballroom, Bowie State University
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) hosted the 2013 Fall Faculty Institute on August 28–29, 2013, at Bowie State University, under the theme “Building a Community of Learners.” The event included a dynamic session led by Ken Bain, author of What the Best College Students Do, which encouraged faculty to explore how meaningful learning experiences shape academic success. Faculty participated in sessions and workshops focused on collaboration, innovation, and student engagement. The Institute fostered professional growth, reflection, and community among educators while reinforcing CETL’s mission to promote excellence in teaching, scholarship, and student achievement.
