Dr. Sumanth Reddy’s Semester at Sea: A Transformative Teaching Voyage

 

MEDIA CONTACT: media@bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.) — Dr. Sumanth G. Reddy, an assistant professor of geography at Bowie State University, has long been a proponent of experiential learning. In fall 2024, he transformed this belief into action by embarking on a global teaching voyage with the Semester at Sea program, a dream he had nurtured for 25 years. Accompanied by his two sons, Dr. Reddy spent over three months sailing across the world's oceans, integrating classroom instruction with real-world exploration. The voyage included more than 500 students, 30 faculty members and 60 staff from various U.S. universities, traveling to more than 10 countries and covering 18,000 miles. 

"Teaching while traveling offers an unparalleled opportunity to bring academic concepts to life," Dr. Reddy said. "It allows both educators and students to engage deeply with diverse cultures and environments, fostering a holistic learning experience." 

Dr. Reddy's journey reflects his commitment to immersive education. Since joining Bowie State in 2015, he has coordinated the geography minor and has been instrumental in promoting outdoor activities among students. In 2022, he received the university's Presidential Teaching Award, followed by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award in 2023. These accolades underscore his dedication to innovative teaching methods. 

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Reddy founded the Bowie State Outdoor Club, aiming to connect students with nature and provide alternative recreational activities. The club has organized hiking, fishing, rock-climbing and hunting trips, including a notable 10-day camping and hiking expedition through five national parks in the Rocky Mountains and the American Southwest. Additionally, Dr. Reddy has led short-term study abroad trips to China, London, Ghana and Panama. 

"Our goal is to inspire students, especially those who may not have had prior exposure to such environments, to appreciate and engage with the outdoors," Dr. Reddy explained. "These experiences can be transformative, fostering personal growth and a sense of adventure." 

His recent voyage with Semester at Sea further exemplifies his belief in the value of global education. He encourages other faculty members and students to consider similar opportunities, highlighting the availability of scholarships and funding to make these experiences accessible. 

"Many students on the ship receive scholarships. HBCU students have additional scholarships through SAS and other study abroad sources," Dr. Reddy said. "It is very possible for many of our students to embark on this journey for the same cost as they would pay to be here on campus for a semester." 

For students interested in applying, Dr. Reddy recommends contacting Bowie State's study abroad coordinator, Maura Frischman, at mfrischmann@bowiestate.edu, who can provide guidance on available funding opportunities. 

As Dr. Reddy returns to Bowie State, he brings with him a wealth of experiences and insights from his journey. He plans to integrate these into his curriculum, enriching the academic environment and inspiring students to pursue their own adventures. 

"Education extends beyond the four walls of a classroom," Dr. Reddy emphasized. "By embracing the world as our classroom, we prepare students to navigate and contribute to a diverse and dynamic global society." 

For those interested in learning more about upcoming trips or joining the Outdoor Club @bsuoutdoorclub, Dr. Reddy can be reached at sreddy@bowiestate.edu or via his office at (301) 860-3614. 

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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.