Student Spotlight: Allissa Barnes

When Allissa Barnes, a senior honors student majoring in criminal justice, arrived at Bowie State University, she didn’t yet know where her path would lead. She only knew she wanted to grow, explore and make a difference. Her first bold step came when she ran for Miss Freshman, an experience that didn’t end in a win but instead sparked years of leadership, purpose and service that would come to define her Bowie journey. 

Now an active campus leader, Barnes has become a voice for her peers and a champion for student well-being. Through her work in the Student Government Association, she has helped improve campus life in ways both big and small, from advocating for accessibility improvements to addressing dining concerns. 

“Sometimes advocacy starts with the small things,” Barnes said. “If I can make a student’s day better, whether that’s fixing an elevator issue or improving the dining hall menu, I will.” 

Her passion for advocacy is rooted in a deep sense of service that extends far beyond SGA. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Barnes has served as vice president and parliamentarian, leading initiatives that uplift the community and strengthen sisterhood. “Being part of Alpha Kappa Alpha taught me the importance of service to all mankind,” she said. “It’s helped me grow into the kind of woman I always hoped to be.” 

Barnes’s drive and commitment have also earned her recognition beyond the Bowie campus. Through the Fannie Angelos Program of Academic Excellence at the University of Baltimore School of Law, she gained firsthand experience with law school and reaffirmed her dream of becoming a juvenile advocate. “The encouragement I’ve gotten from my professors and mentors has been life-changing,” she said. “People here truly believe in you, and that pushes you to believe in yourself.” 

Among those mentors, she credits Thomasina Boardley, director of New Student Experiences & Student Engagement, and Dr. Shannell Thomas, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, for their constant support. “They’ve both been there for me in every way,” she said. “At Bowie, you’re not just a student. You’re family.” 

Barnes also points to her parents as foundational influences in her journey. “My parents instilled in me to ask questions and speak up, reminding me that I’m young, Black, a woman and I have to use my voice,” she said. 

Looking ahead, Barnes plans to attend law school and continue her mission to help young people navigate the legal system with compassion and understanding. “I want to make sure kids are supported before they ever reach a courtroom,” she said. 

Her advice for fellow Bulldogs reflects both her wisdom and her heart. “Don’t rush the process. Take time to grow, learn and enjoy your journey. And remember, rest is part of the work too.” 

Barnes’s story reflects the essence of Bowie State University, where courage meets community and students are empowered to become leaders who uplift others. “This place helped me find who I am and who I want to be,” she said. “That’s something I’ll carry forever.”