February Five...

Bowie State University, President Aminta H. Breaux, link below

Topics: African Americans, Civil Rights, Education, Human Rights, Women's Rights

Birmingham-Easonian Bible Baptist College

The purpose of the educational programs at Birmingham-Easonian Bible Baptist College are to train men and women for life and service as dedicated Christian leaders.

School History

Birmingham Baptist Bible College had its origin in 1904 at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. Dr. C. O. Boothe and Dr. W. R. Pettiford conducted Bible classes. The main purpose of the school was to provide church leadership.

After a few years, East Thomas became the site for two years, at which time an organization was effected. This organization became real when the Mount Pilgrim, Jefferson County and Bethlehem – Blount Springs Associations gave up their schools to concentrate on opening a single school. To make the matter legal, a lawyer was sought by representatives of the organization to draw up a charter. After all legal matters were transacted, the organization became known as the Colored Baptist Educational Association of the Birmingham District.

Bishop State Community College

Founded in the summer of 1927, Bishop State Community College was originally the Mobile Branch of Alabama State College (University) in Montgomery, Alabama, during the presidency of Dr. Harper Councill Trenholm. It was established as an in-service arm of Alabama State College that offered extension courses to African-American elementary and secondary teachers in Mobile.

In 1936, O. H. Johnson was appointed as dean. The first full-time faculty consisted of seven persons, which included such Mobile pioneers in education as Dr. Benjamin F. Baker, Mary Wilbur Weeks Burroughs and C.F. Powell.

Dr. Sanford. D. Bishop, Sr. joined the teaching staff of “The Branch” in 1938 as an instructor of English and music. In 1941, he was named dean.

In 1942, property was acquired on Broad Street where the present Main Campus is located. The campus consisted of a two-story framed building, which prior to the purchase of the property, was used by the Voluntary Fire Fighters Society #11. It was purchased with a loan that was later repaid by students through fund-raising. In 1963, the name “Mobile Branch of Alabama State College” was changed to Alabama State College – Mobile Center.

In 1965, the Alabama State Legislature ratified the Alabama State Board of Education’s action establishing the Alabama State College – Mobile Center as Mobile State Junior College and severed its relationship with Alabama State College in Montgomery. Dr. Bishop was appointed president of the new independent junior college. In 1971, the Alabama State Legislature renamed the college to S. D. Bishop State Junior College.

Bluefield State College

Bluefield State is focused on student success—on your success—by offering a high-quality, career-oriented education tailored to meet tomorrow’s job market. It is a place where potential is put into practice, where your hopes and your drive connect with a more promising future.

Even though Bluefield State is one of the most affordable schools in West Virginia, our curricula is second-to-none for building a great career. More than 60 percent of our graduates earn degrees in STEM disciplines, including nursing, biology and engineering. We don’t lower our standards—we would never let our students down that way—but our faculty and staff go the extra mile to help you succeed up to the highest standards. If you attend Bluefield State willing to work hard, you will get an education that works for you for the rest of your career.

Here, each student is much more than a number. When you attend Bluefield State, people will know you. We expect excellence from our students, but we invest in you, work with you and inspire you to realize capability you never knew you had.

Students and alumni love this sense of community. “There is a real family atmosphere here,” one Bluefield State student said. “You feel comfortable speaking with faculty, seeking them out.”

Bowie State University

Established in 1865, Bowie State University is the oldest historically black institution (HBI) of higher education in the state of Maryland. Also, it is one of the oldest HBIs in the nation. The institution has evolved from a normal school into a comprehensive university that offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Currently, Bowie State University serves a diverse student population, providing educational opportunities that will enable students to function in a highly technological and interdependent world. The University continues to honor its heritage of providing access to higher education for under-represented populations, with a continuing commitment to African Americans. Bowie State University remains a leader in the graduation of African Americans in teacher education and technological fields.

Office of the President

Building on a Proud Legacy

Greetings from President Aminta H. Breaux
(pronunciation key: A-MEAN-tah Broh)

As the 10th president of Bowie State University, I am proud and excited to lead an institution of higher learning that builds on more than 150 years of nurturing student success.

I see examples of excellence across the campus – from the innovative teaching and research of our outstanding faculty to the dedication of our students, staff and alumni who daily demonstrate their love for Bowie State University.