Bowie State to Partner with Sint Maarten Performing Arts Academy

The Partnership Will Include Exchange Programs for Students and Faculty

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – Bowie State University is partnering with the Charlotte Brookson Academy (CBA) for the Performing Arts in Sint Maarten for an academic exchange program that will create a pipeline between the university and the Caribbean.

“What we’re looking at is the exposure not only to the island of Sint Maarten, but to all of the Caribbean,” said Dr. Lynne Long, chair of the Department of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development.

The partnership, formalized during a ceremony at the academy last week, is highlighted by cultural exchange opportunities for students from both schools and enhancement of academic programs at Charlotte Brookson. Bowie State students will be able to travel to Sint Maarten to pursue internship and apprenticeship opportunities, as well as participate in creative research projects abroad. BSU faculty will support curriculum development collaborations with CBA.

“I’m always excited about study abroad opportunities (and) international exchange opportunities with Bowie State,” said Tewodross Williams, chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department. “This opens up great possibilities for our students and graduates to get that global experience.”

Charlotte Brookson Academy students will be brought to campus for summer programs designed around topics such as theater (acting), dance, music, musical theatre and music technology. The goal is the creation of recruitment channels for CBA students to enroll at Bowie State.

“We’re trying to start a pipeline with students coming here,” said Dr. Rhonda Jeter, dean of the College of Education.

The partnership also allows for Bowie State and Charlotte Brookson Academy faculty to participate in residencies, research and teaching opportunities at both institutions.

“We have an opportunity to go there, and they have an opportunity to come here,” said Dr. Long. “That only makes it more intriguing for us.”

A Bowie State delegation including President Aminta Breaux along with faculty and staff recently returned from Sint Maarten meetings with their Charlotte Brookson Academy counterparts to celebrate the institutions’ partnership.

“Our group had a wonderful reception in Sint Maarten,” said Dr. Breaux. “We enjoyed meeting the students and staff of Charlotte Brookson Academy and being part of a presentation to their Parliament. I look forward to building bridges that will benefit both of our schools for years to come.”

###

About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.