Chanel Queen-Marie Knight: A Longtime Leader with Purpose and a Plan

When Chanel Queen-Marie Knight ‘26 arrived at Bowie State University four years ago as an out-of-state freshman, she brought unwavering confidence with her. 

“I have a lifelong love of leadership. As early as fifth grade, I was class vice president, and when I graduated from Dinwiddie County High School in Dinwiddie, Virginia I was senior class president.” 

Although she was starting over on a new campus where she didn’t know anyone, Knight trusted her instincts and quickly found her footing by getting involved right away with the Student Government Association (SGA). She ran for freshman class president, and although she didn’t win, she refused to let that loss define her. Knight went on to become the freshman and sophomore class social media representative and marketing director. Last year, she was elected junior class vice president. 

Today, the criminal justice major serves as the 41st SGA vice president and is an accomplished student leader whose influence stretches from Bowie State’s campus to the halls of Capitol Hill. 

“I’ve always loved the pressure of leadership. There’s privilege in it and responsibility. It put me in rooms I probably wouldn’t have been in without my leadership positions and for that I’m forever grateful.” 

Her SGA role immediately placed her in high-level meetings with President Aminta H. Breaux and BSU cabinet members.  

“I’ll always remember our transparent one-on-one conversations with Dr. Breaux and her cabinet. They really valued our perspectives and trusted our leadership.” 

Knight spent her college career saying yes to opportunities that challenged, shaped and stretched her. Her leadership did not stop with SGA. 

In fall 2024, she and her 19 sisters revived the Epsilon Lambda chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. As a reactivation group of 20 women — the largest in chapter history — they rebuilt Bowie State’s chapter from the ground up. Knight now serves as Epsilon Lambda chapter’s Basileus. 

“We created our own legacy by putting our chapter back on the yard, although it did put more work on my plate. I wouldn’t change it for the world because my sisters mean everything to me.” 

Over the years, Knight has also served as a new student orientation leader, becoming one of the first friendly faces new BSU students meet before beginning their first semester on campus. 

Her calling to leadership also extends beyond campus. Through Bowie State’s participation in the Legislative Black Caucus’ HBCU Shadow Day, Knight discovered a new passion: public policy. That exposure led her to an internship in the U.S. Senate, where she spent fall 2025 learning the legislative process and constituent services in the office of U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. 

“I didn’t know policy would be my career path until Bowie State introduced me to it. I’m passionate about civic engagement: connecting with constituents, hearing their concerns and helping turn their voices into meaningful action.” 

Knight’s academic experience has been equally meaningful. She credits Professor Philip Newsome, who instructs an international and domestic terrorism course, with pushing her and her classmates to think deeper and more intentionally about not just course material but larger life lessons. 

“If we performed poorly on a quiz or a test, he’d tell us that's a good thing because now you have the chance to learn from it. He really poured life into us not just for class, but for the real world.” 

As graduation approaches, Knight plans to pursue her master’s in public administration this fall, with the goal of entering the public policy field and eventually earning her doctorate by age 30. 

Her advice for incoming Bowie State students is simple: start early.  

“Don't wait until you feel fully ready to do something. Bet on yourself and go do it. I didn't know anyone at Bowie when I started my leadership journey. Even when I applied for a Senate internship, I still had doubts but I trusted my abilities and knew I had something meaningful to offer. Sometimes you have to do it afraid.”  

Knight also believes that networking is key to success.  

“Build relationships with professors and form genuine connections with your peers. I always describe my time here as rewarding because Bowie State University is the best place to be. We’re right outside the nation’s capital, and there’s so much to offer on our campus, so take advantage of everything at Bowie State.”