Bowie State University Earns 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School and Spouse Designation

(BOWIE, Md.) — Bowie State University has been named a 2026–2027 Military Friendly® School and Military Spouse Friendly School, continuing a designation it has held since 2019 and 2025, respectively. The recognition highlights the university’s commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

“Bowie State University is honored to be recognized as a Military Friendly® School, a distinction that underscores our sustained commitment to those who have served and continue to serve our nation,” said Andre A. Clayton, director of the Military Resource Center. “We are intentional in delivering comprehensive, high-quality support that enables veterans, active-duty service members and their families to achieve academic excellence and long-term success. These recognitions affirm our responsibility to foster an environment where military-connected students and their spouses are empowered, supported and positioned to thrive.”

The Military Friendly® Schools and Military Spouse Friendly Schools® lists are compiled annually using public data and responses to a proprietary survey. Institutions are evaluated on factors such as graduation and career outcomes,  services for military-connected students and their families, and culture and commitment.

Bowie State continues to expand its support for military-connected students through enhanced services and a growing network of resources. During the spring 2026 semester, the university served 503 military-affiliated students, including 415 using GI Bill benefits and 88 students serving on active duty, in the Reserve and in the National Guard.

To meet the needs of this population, Bowie State’s Military Resource Center has launched targeted initiatives that align military experience with academic and career pathways. Through partnerships with academic departments, the university has expanded practicum and internship opportunities tailored to veterans, strengthening career readiness and post-graduation outcomes.

The university has also introduced faculty development workshops that equip instructors with strategies to support students transitioning from military service to the classroom. In addition, the Green Zone Expansion Program has trained faculty and staff across campus to better serve military-connected students, creating a broader network of informed support.

Together, these efforts strengthen Bowie State's capacity to provide an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment that prepares military-connected students for long-term professional success.

In addition to the Military Resource Center, Bowie State University provides dedicated support for veterans and military-affiliated students through its Office of Veteran Services. The university offers flexible course scheduling and assists students in utilizing GI Bill® benefits and other military education programs. Bowie State is also proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, helping make higher education more accessible and affordable for eligible veterans and their families.

###

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: Stacie Burgess, sburgess@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311