When Opportunity Knocks, Jennifer Coke Says Open the Door

For Jennifer Coke, philanthropy is personal. As a first-generation college graduate who benefited from scholarships, she understands how financial support can change a student’s future. Today, as executive director of philanthropic engagement in the Division of Philanthropic Engagement at Bowie State, she works to create those same opportunities for current and future Bulldogs. 

“Education has always represented more than a degree. It’s a pathway to opportunity and a tool for transforming lives.” 

Born in Jamaica and raised in New Jersey, she grew up in a family that strongly valued education. 

“My parents may have only earned high school diplomas, but they emphasized education. I am a first-generation college graduate, and that has always stayed with me.” 

Scholarships helped Jennifer attend Fairleigh Dickinson University, live on campus and graduate with very little debt. That experience fuels her commitment to helping Bowie State students overcome financial barriers. 

“I know firsthand how financial support can propel a student forward. Someone created opportunities for me, and now I have the privilege of helping create opportunities for the next generation.” 

Before joining Bowie State, Jennifer spent 22 years with the Boy Scouts of America, working with underserved youth and helping them access resources, mentorship and experiences that supported their success. 

Throughout her career, she has learned that the people you meet often create opportunities. 

“Success often comes from being willing to step forward, introduce yourself and build meaningful relationships.” 

Jennifer encourages students to look beyond the financial value of scholarships and consider the professional relationships they can build with donors and corporate partners. 

“The person or company supporting your scholarship may also be able to offer an internship, mentorship or future employment opportunity.” 

She urges students to Be Bold by introducing themselves to guest speakers, attending networking events and pursuing opportunities outside their comfort zones. 

“Don’t pass up an opportunity because you are afraid or because it is unfamiliar. Sometimes the greatest growth happens when you are willing to step outside your comfort zone.” 

Jennifer is also a strong advocate for lifelong learning. With encouragement from friends, she earned a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in human resources from Bowie State in 2022. 

Her graduation experience came during an especially difficult season. One month before commencement, her mother passed away. Jennifer then contracted COVID-19 while attending her mother’s funeral and was unable to attend her own graduation. 

“Dr. Breaux knew I would not be there and told me that if she ever had the opportunity to personally present my diploma, she would. A few weeks later, she came to my friend’s backyard, where we played ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ and she presented my diploma. It was an incredibly meaningful moment that demonstrated the genuine sense of community at Bowie State.” 

Growing up, Jennifer had limited exposure to HBCUs. Through her work with UNCF earlier in her career, she developed a deeper appreciation for their history, excellence and commitment to community. 

Her own journey also reinforces a message she shares with others: It’s never too late to grow. 

“Learning does not stop after graduation. My master’s degree expanded my career possibilities and helped prepare me to become an executive director. No matter how long you have been away from the classroom, there is always an opportunity to learn something new.” 

For Jennifer, helping students graduate with less debt is more than a professional responsibility. It is a way to pay forward the opportunities that helped shape her life. 

“To know that I can play a role in helping a student graduate from Bowie State with as little debt as possible brings me tremendous joy. That is what makes my work meaningful.”