A Legacy of Education, A Life in Journalism: Bowie State Alumnus Byron Dobson

 

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(BOWIE, Md.) — For Byron Dobson, choosing Bowie State University wasn’t just about proximity—it was about purpose. Born into a family deeply rooted in education, he followed in the footsteps of his father, a Bowie State graduate and lifelong educator on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. His father, William Edward Dobson, passed in 2005 at age 90. He was the first principal of the former Glenwood Elementary School in Easton, and today, a wing of the Easton Elementary School is named in his honor. Many of his father’s colleagues and relatives also had ties to Bowie State or Morgan State University, making Dobson’s decision to attend Bowie in 1975 both natural and deeply personal. 

Dobson arrived on campus with a passion for writing that began with poetry and storytelling. At the time, Bowie State didn’t yet offer a journalism or communications major, so he enrolled as an English major. As the university began expanding its curriculum to include news reporting and media studies, he found his academic home and ultimately earned a degree in communications in 1980. 

One of the defining experiences of his time at Bowie was helping to relaunch the student newspaper. Though the publication faced funding challenges and only published a few issues, the experience cemented his desire to pursue journalism professionally. “It was a formative experience,” Dobson said. “It helped me understand the importance of telling stories that matter.” 

After graduation, Dobson’s career began in community radio in Easton, where he gained on-air experience and reported local news. Encouraged by a news director who saw his potential—and supported by a network committed to placing minority journalists in newsrooms—he landed his first newspaper role at the Boca Raton News in Florida. 

That move in 1980 marked his first time living in Florida. He quickly rose through the ranks, from reporter to assistant city editor and later city editor. Though small, the paper played an essential role in its community and offered Dobson a chance to refine his skills and leadership in a fast-paced newsroom. 

When the newsroom structure shifted in Boca Raton, Dobson transitioned to The Tallahassee Democrat, part of the USA Today Network, where he continued to grow as a journalist and editor. Over the years, he held key roles, including night editor, assistant city editor, and day assignments editor. His approach remained community-centered—engaging with schools, churches, and local events to ensure the stories he told reflected the lives of those he served. 

As the newspaper industry evolved—with changes in ownership, the rise of digital media, and shifting reader habits—Dobson stayed grounded in his principles. He believed in ethical reporting, authentic relationships, and maintaining the trust of his sources. “One trait that has served me well is my desire to connect with the community,” he said. “People need to know that I’m genuinely interested in what they do and that I’m here to tell their stories accurately and fairly.” 

That sense of integrity has been a consistent thread throughout Dobson’s career. He is intentional about striking the balance between presence and objectivity—being part of the community while upholding the standards of responsible journalism. “You have to be fair and honest with people,” he said. “Sometimes that means saying no, but explaining why. It’s about being professional, clear, and respectful.” 

Dobson also emphasizes the importance of reputation—not just for himself, but for the organizations he represents. He sees his work as a reflection of both personal and institutional values. “You’re representing your company,” he said. “Your name is on the work, and it has to stand for something.” 

Throughout his journey, mentorship and collaboration have played an important role. He credits the editors and colleagues who helped shape his perspective and encouraged his growth. Now part of a “smaller but mighty” newsroom team, he continues to find fulfillment in the impact of accurate, meaningful journalism. “The best compliment is when someone says, ‘You got it right.’ That means something. That’s how you know you’ve made a difference.” 

To today’s Bowie State students and recent graduates, Dobson offers heartfelt advice: “Look to see how you can make a difference in your work. Always remember that you represent Bowie State—an institution with a long and meaningful history. Be an ambassador through your professionalism, your skills, and your preparation.” 

He also encourages young journalists to embrace humility and curiosity. “You don’t have to know everything,” he said. “Ask questions. Say, ‘Explain that to me.’ That willingness to learn builds stronger connections and makes you better at your job.” 

Throughout his career, Dobson has upheld the values instilled by his family and his education at Bowie State: dedication, service, integrity, and the belief that storytelling can connect and uplift communities. With his roots in Easton and his professional life in Florida, he has remained a champion of local journalism—and a proud representative of the Bowie State legacy. 

Even today, he stays connected to his alma mater by following its milestones, leadership updates, and student successes on social media. “I’m always proud to see what Bowie State is doing,” he said. “It’s growing, it’s innovating, and it’s preparing the next generation to lead.” 

Byron Dobson’s story is more than a successful career in journalism—it’s a testament to the power of education, purpose, and community. His legacy reminds us that impact isn’t always measured by accolades or titles, but by the lives touched and truths told along the way. 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.