Nursing Graduates Cap an Exemplary Year

On May 20, Bowie State’s Department of Nursing conducted a Pinning and Medallion Ceremony in honor of the Nursing Class of 2026.

A total of 21 undergraduates received their pins and three graduate students received their medallions two days before accepting their Bachelor of Science and master's degrees in nursing at Bowie State University’s Commencement. The tradition-rich ceremony at the Dionne Warwick Theater in the Fine & Performing Arts Center included a solemn recitation of the Nightingale Pledge, which serves as a commitment to patient care and professional integrity.

Department Chair Monique Alston, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CNE, said the biannual spring and fall pinning ceremony is a symbolic “rite of passage,” signaling the transition from student nurse to professional nurse.

“Our nursing graduates are in the most trusted profession, and they’re ready to serve communities near and far. They’re also well prepared to become lifelong learners who will continue striving for excellence in the nursing practice.”

It has been an incredible year of excellence for the Nursing Department, which is part of the College of Professional Studies. Fourteen graduates from December 2025 all passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) standardized test at the rate of 100% on their first attempt in spring 2026.

Bowie State’s Nursing Program also achieved statewide recognition this spring when six faculty and staff earned the Dr. Peg E. Daw Nurse Faculty Annual Recognition (NFAR) Awards sponsored by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Each award provides $10,000 to the recipients’ institution to support professional development and contributions to nursing education.

Additionally, Dr. Alston was recently commended with the Nurse Support II Academic Nurse Educator Certification (ANEC) award of $5,000 from the State of Maryland Nurse Support Program. This award provides eligible full-time nurse educators with support as they complete, maintain and renew requirements for their certification.