Bowie State Alumna Patrice Jones Blends Creativity, Career and Community

When Bowie State University alumna Patrice Jones returned to finish her degree, she was already juggling multiple worlds — motherhood, a full-time job and a growing entertainment career. What she found at Bowie was a community that helped her connect those worlds and turn her passions into purpose. Today, Jones is director of marketing at Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union, a recording artist and a board member of the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce. 

Jones transferred to Bowie after attending Hofstra University in New York and taking time off to pursue opportunities in entertainment. She wanted to complete her degree closer to home, where she could balance family, work and education. Bowie State, she said, offered the ideal mix of strong academics, a supportive community and the flexibility she needed as a working mother. Once she learned about the university’s history and programs, she knew it was where she belonged, ultimately graduating in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration  with a concentration in marketing. 

Faculty support made a lasting impression. Professors Samuel Caldwell, Kathryn Weaver, Ella Carter, Dr. Elkanah Faux and Dr. Lekanah Conrad each played a role in shaping her confidence and leadership. They went above and beyond to help her succeed — extending office hours, offering encouragement and advising her to prioritize her health and miss class when her daughter was due. 

On-site tutoring also proved invaluable, especially for her accounting and statistics courses. Those experiences taught her the importance of seeking help and using available resources to grow. Beyond academics, Bowie reinforced her belief that leadership is about empathy and teamwork rather than hierarchy. 

Her career path reflects that same philosophy. After years working across nonprofit and entertainment industries, Jones discovered her current position by chance while browsing her credit union’s career page. The role immediately stood out, allowing her to merge her creative strengths with her commitment to community impact and promote financial empowerment across Prince George’s County. 

Her dedication to service extends beyond her day job. As a Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce board member, she advocates for small and Black-owned businesses and draws inspiration from the organization’s strong network of leaders. 

Earning her degree from Bowie while raising two children remains one of her proudest accomplishments, alongside her work in entertainment and community outreach. She first discovered her creative calling at 15 when she wrote her high school song, and she views her Bowie degree as proof of her determination and resilience. 

Jones continues to stay connected to her alma mater through annual donations, mentorship and the credit union’s partnership on financial literacy programs. She recently hosted a songwriting class and is recruiting interns for her marketing department and creative projects through the Career Development Center. 

Her upcoming music project, “Sequins, Suits & Sweatpants,” set for release in June 2026, along with a documentary, captures her multifaceted life — sequins for the stage, suits for the boardroom and sweatpants for home and family. 

When asked what advice she would give current students, Jones said, “Pay attention to your peak hours of productivity and build your schedule around that time frame. Give yourself grace, stay organized and learn to study your way.” 

Faith and gratitude remain central to her journey. Quoting Psalm 37:4, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart,” she said she has learned to find joy in every stage and delight in the process, not just the victories.