Proctor Lecture Series Puts the Blueprint to Work to Advance Maryland’s Public Education

Top leaders in education, policy and government came to Bowie State on April 22 to participate in an engaging panel discussion about how Maryland’s education can best meet the needs of its citizens today and tomorrow.

Bowie State University's 2026 Proctor Lecture Series presented, “The Blueprint in Action: Turning Vision into Results for Maryland's Students and Teachers” at the James E. Proctor Jr. Building. More than 100 students, faculty and guests were on hand in person and online for a timely conversation led by leading voices in education and public policy. The panel addressed how to impactfully translate Maryland's educational priorities into meaningful outcomes for students, educators and communities to deliver a stronger public education system for all.

The panel was moderated by Washington-area attorney Stephanie Proctor Williams, owner and principal attorney of Williams Counsel. Distinguished panelists who shared practical insights included Nicole Williams, Maryland state delegate; Lolita E. Walker, a leadership strategist and former Board of Education chair for Prince George’s County; Dr. Shawn Joseph, interim superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools; Maria Navarro, Charles County Public Schools superintendent; and Isiah Leggett, a University System of Maryland Board of Regents member.

The discussion focused on critical issues tied to implementing Maryland’s educational blueprint across school systems and communities. Themes included how to translate education policy into measurable student outcomes; how to effect systemwide change through leadership and accountability and best practices in strengthening partnerships between government, schools and communities. Challenges and opportunities in education reform were also addressed.

Dean Rhonda F. Jeter of the College of Education said that the influential voices heard at the program are actively helping to shape Maryland’s educational future.

“Bold ideas demand bold action. Everyone who attended is a champion for Maryland's students, educators and communities.”

The lecture series is named in honor of the late Maryland Delegate Proctor (’69, ’72), who spent more than 30 years as an educator and principal at Prince George’s County Public Schools. He dedicated his service as an elected official to improving the lives of all Marylanders through education. The campus building named in his honor houses the College of Education, where Delegate Proctor and his wife, the Honorable Elizabeth G. "Susie" Proctor, both received degrees.

The lecture is also an opportunity to support future educators through the James E. Proctor Jr. Endowed Scholarship at Bowie State, established by the Proctor family after his death in 2015. The scholarship makes it possible for deserving BSU students to reach their dream of careers in education.