Bowie State University Welcomes New Associate Provost and Deans to Advance Academic Excellence

The Academic Leaders will Champion Innovation and Excellence in Higher Education

 

(BOWIE, Md.) —  Bowie State University is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Associate Provost of Academic Affairs and Deans for the College of Business, College of Arts & Sciences and the Graduate School. Their diverse academic expertise will further strengthen Bowie State’s reputation as a leading institution for education, research and innovation.

 “These accomplished educators bring visionary leadership, a strong foundation in interdisciplinary collaboration and a deep commitment to expanding our academic programs,” said Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou, provost at Bowie State. “Their expertise will help accelerate our progress as we work together to move boldly forward to meet the evolving demands of higher education and the workforce for our students.” 

Serving as the Associate Provost of Academic Affairs, Dr. Mary Grimes McGreer started at Bowie State on June 11, 2025. In her role, she will move the university forward in its mission to support excellence in teaching, learning and research. She will support faculty in their professional development as teachers and scholars, providing a foundation for an engaged, accomplished and innovative academic community, while championing high-quality and affordable educational opportunities for students.  
 Dr. Grimes-McGreer brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, having held leadership roles at minority-serving institutions and served internationally as a diversity, equity and inclusion consultant. She formerly served as the assistant provost of academic affairs at Alabama State University. She holds a B.F.A. in Professional Theatre Arts from North Carolina A&T State University, an M.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Alliant University and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration with a concentration in Higher Education from the University of South Carolina. 
 
“At this unique time in history, I consider it a privilege to accept the opportunity of helping move Bowie State University forward in expanding academic programs and partnerships that will further advance innovation and excellence in our HBCU community and beyond,” said Dr. Grimes-McGreer. 

The new deans will be responsible for helping the university reach its goal of advancing academic distinction by enhancing academic programs, faculty development and student experiences to meet emerging workforce needs. This team will impact the expansion of research, scholarship and creative work activities of faculty and staff across all disciplines, cultivating an environment of continuous professional growth that will also help position Bowie State as a leading institution for graduate education.   

The dean of the College of Business is Dr. Mohamed Djerdjouri, effective July 9, 2025. Dr. Djerdjouri’s international academic and professional experience spans five countries, with a research focus on optimization and logistics in business operations. He recently served as the dean of the Thomas College of Business and Economics at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, with prior leadership roles at the University of South Carolina Upstate and SUNY Plattsburgh. He holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics and a master’s and Ph.D. in Operations Research from Case Western Reserve University. 

“I am honored to join Bowie State University — Maryland’s first HBCU — as the dean of the College of Business,” said Dr. Djerdjouri. “It is a privilege to support President Dr. Aminta H. Breaux’ visionary leadership and the university’s pursuit of a Carnegie R2 research designation.”  

The dean of the Graduate School is Dr. Ofosuwa M. Abiola, effective July 9, 2025. Dr. Abiola, who holds a Ph.D. in History from Howard University, is an award-winning Africanist historian specializing in the dances and cultures of Africa and the Diaspora. A seasoned administrator, scholar and artist, she has held leadership roles at HBCUs and received numerous national and international research awards, with her work supported by organizations such as the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Department of Education. She previously served as associate dean of research and creative endeavors at Howard, where she supported the university’s efforts to achieve Carnegie R1 research classification. 
 
“Together, we will elevate Bowie State’s graduate programs to new heights — expanding our research enterprise, forging national partnerships and preparing scholars who leave a global imprint,” said Dr. Abiola. 

The dean of the College of Arts & Sciences is Dr. Steven Damo, effective August 6, 2025. Dr. Damo is the chair of the Department of Life and Physical Sciences and assistant dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Fisk University, where he is recognized nationally for advancing student success, particularly among historically excluded groups. He earned his undergraduate degree from New York University, Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, and completed postdoctoral training at Weill Cornell Medical College and Vanderbilt University. His research on host-pathogen interactions has garnered over 2,000 citations and more than $28 million in grant funding. 
 
“I am delighted to join the Bowie State University community and look forward to working with my faculty, administrator, and staff colleagues to deliver an unparalleled educational experience for our students that allows them to achieve their dreams,” said Dr. Damo. 

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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.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Kelly Alexander, kalexander1@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-6017