Bowie State Hosts Annual College of Arts and Sciences Celebration

Faculty and Students Recognized for Their Achievements

 

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

(BOWIE, Md.)— Bowie State University’s College of Arts and Sciences celebrated the exceptional achievements of students and faculty who continue to raise the bar for academic success and leadership at the university during the college’s 14th Annual Celebration of Excellence. 

This year’s program paid special tribute to the retirement of Dr. George Acquaah, who has served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since 2008. After 17 years of dedicated leadership, Dr. Acquaah will retire at the end of the semester, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, innovation and academic achievement. 

“It has been an honor to represent Bowie State University and serve as dean of such a vibrant and passionate academic community,” said Dr. Acquaah. “I’m proud of what we’ve built together and am grateful for the opportunity to support students and faculty throughout the years.” 

The event featured a variety of honors, including faculty, staff and student recognition, as well as the Dean’s Lifetime Achievement and Dean’s Awards, celebrating individuals for their contributions and steadfast dedication to excellence across the university. 

Among the honorees was Donell Pettus, a senior communications major, who was awarded Outstanding Undergraduate Student in the College of Arts and Sciences. Pettus is widely recognized for his leadership, storytelling and unwavering focus on exploring the many opportunities within the media and communications field. 

“This award means a lot because it reminds me how far I’ve come,” said Pettus. “Each day I took one step at a time with a persistent mindset—using every moment to learn, sharpen my abilities and stay focused on the bigger picture. It’s an honor to represent my department, my family, my peers, and myself. I’m thankful to be a Bulldog. As grad school becomes the next step in my journey, my goal is to one day return and win the Outstanding Graduate Student award.” 

The annual celebration reaffirmed the college’s commitment to academic excellence, student development and impactful leadership, leaving attendees energized and inspired to continue striving for greatness. 

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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.