Featured Alumni All Stars
Celebrating BSU Alumni who give of their TIME, TALENT, or TREASURE
Dr. Masica Jordan-Alston ('03 & '05)
Dr. Masica Jordan-Alston ('03 & '05), CEO of Jordan Peer Recovery and assistant professor in the Department of Counseling at Bowie State University, has established The Coach Larry Williams, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Endowment in honor of her late brother.
Before his passing in 2021, Coach Larry Williams, Jr. ('07 & '09) was a beloved leader and mentor. As the former football commissioner for the Kettering/Largo Boys & Girls Club, he referred and recruited several students to attend his alma mater Bowie State University. A former BSU football player himself, he was known for encouraging his teammates to complete their degrees and even pursue graduate studies.
Thanks to Dr. Jordan-Alston, this endowment will support future generations of BSU football players, ensuring Coach Larry Williams' legacy of mentorship, education, and opportunity lives on.
Samuel Q. Elira, Esq. ('13)
Samuel Elira, Esq., founder of The Elira Law Firm LLC, earned his Juris Doctor from Western Michigan Cooley Law School and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Bowie State University. With experience as a law clerk for the 29th Circuit Court, the State Appellate Defender’s Office, and leading Maryland law firms, he has worked on a wide range of legal matters, advocating for indigent defendants.
Beyond his legal practice, Elira is deeply committed to community service. He mentors youth and founded The Elira & Company Foundation to combat homelessness in Maryland. His endowment to Bowie State University, The Samuel Q. Elira Sr. Endowment, underscores his dedication to supporting future generations, particularly those pursuing careers in criminal justice and law.
Latasha C. Gatling ('02)
Latasha C. Gatling, an entrepreneur and a former elected and appointed official, continues to give of her time, talent and treasure back to her beloved Bowie State University.
"I choose to give back to my alma mater because I believe it is important that we support our HBCUs and help those who will carry the torch forward. Oftentimes, it is said that HBCUs are underfunded and do not receive the same level of financial support from alumni as PWIs. I am a strong advocate for HBCUs, especially Maryland HBCUs."
Ms. Gatling established the 4.10 Boutique/Latasha C. Gatling Endowment at Bowie State, which provides scholarships to students majoring in history or business, with preference given to those who are members of the Divine Nine.
"It is important to me that Bowie State remains accessible for future generations and that students who want to attend can do so, even if they cannot afford it."
Brian Hill ('22)
I give back to Bowie State University by channeling my passion for storytelling and student engagement into shaping how our campus connects and communicates. As a proud alum and now the social media specialist for the Department of New Student Experiences and Student Engagement, I’ve played a key role in transforming our digital presence.
It all began during my time as a student, when I advocated for more video content to better engage and inspire my peers. Today, I carry that mission forward—mentoring students and leading our social media strategy to ensure BSU’s spirit, culture, and excellence shine across every platform.
I believe it is important for alumni to give back to Bowie State because our support helps preserve and elevate the legacy that shaped us. By investing our time, talents, and resources, we empower the next generation of leaders and ensure that BSU continues to thrive as a place of opportunity, growth, and excellence.
Dr. LeTrecia Gloster ('01 & '20)
Dr. LeTrecia Gloster’s dedication to Bowie State University is a testament to the institution’s profound impact on her academic and professional journey. As a proud alumna with a B.S. in Mathematics Education (2001) and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (2020), she remains deeply connected to BSU through both personal achievement and professional contributions.
As Assistant Superintendent of The School District of the City of York, Dr. Gloster played a pivotal role in leading the district out of Recovery status, a milestone in Pennsylvania’s educational landscape. Passionate about expanding opportunities for black and brown girls and women, she has mentored countless students and colleagues throughout her career.
Through her unwavering support of BSU, Dr. Gloster helps sustain and expand opportunities for students pursuing excellence, particularly in STEM and education fields. As an adjunct professor in the College of Education, she directly shapes future educators, ensuring they receive the same transformative experiences she did. Her engagement—whether through mentorship, speaking engagements, or leadership—reinforces BSU’s legacy of excellence and resilience.
Notably, as the keynote speaker at the BSU Women in Education: Blazing a Path and Making a Difference (2023) event, Dr. Gloster inspired future educators, demonstrating her commitment to fostering leadership and service. Her ongoing contributions ensure that Bowie State continues to thrive as a beacon for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), preparing generations of students to lead and excel.
Jerrod Hines ('06)
A proud alumnus, Jerrod Hines has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Bowie State for over two decades. As a student, he held numerous leadership roles including SGA President (2004–2005), Class President (2001–2003), and served in the Symphony of Soul Band, University Choir, and Gospel Choir. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity.
Since graduating, Hines has devoted 19 years to the Symphony of Soul Band staff, mentoring numerous student musicians and enhancing campus culture through music.
As a lifetime member of the National Alumni Association, Hines contributes to scholarship funds, supports university events, and actively participates in Homecoming and CIAA planning. His dedication to student leadership is evident through his regular participation in SGA panels and fundraising initiatives.
"My ongoing commitment to Bowie State University stems from a deep appreciation for the education and opportunities it has provided me, and a desire to give back in meaningful ways to support its continued growth and success."
Marsha James ('90)
I give back to Bowie State University because it has given so much to me. Mentoring students and sharing my knowledge can help guide the next generation of Bulldogs as they matriculate through college. I deeply value the support and mentorship I received when I was a student, which played a key role in shaping who I am today.
At Bowie State, we built lifelong friendships, discovered our passions, and received the support to chase our dreams. Giving back is our way of saying thank you and ensuring that future generations have access to the same—if not greater—life-changing opportunities and essential resources for success.
Contributing financially is just as important! I choose to pay it forward because I am a change agent. Every contribution, big or small, helps provide scholarships, enhance campus facilities, and support programs that leave a lasting impact. Everyone has the power to make a difference; it’s simply a matter of choice. When alumni give back, we’re not just supporting our school—we’re strengthening Bowie State’s legacy of excellence, service, and community, ensuring it thrives for the next 160 years.
Iran "Bang" Paylor ('17)
Iran "Bang" Paylor is a name synonymous with creativity, resilience and a relentless drive to uplift others. An alumnus of Bowie State University, Bang’s journey from a freshman in 2006 to the visionary founder of Models Inc. is a testament to the power of passion and purpose. What began as a quest to create a quality platform for models in Washington, D.C., has blossomed into a transformative force at his alma mater, empowering students to shine on stages from local showcases to the international pages of Vogue.
Bang’s story starts in the bustling D.C. fashion scene, where he modeled in shows like DC Fashion Week. Disillusioned by empty promises from scouts and lackluster productions, he took matters into his own hands. "I wanted to create a platform where models could experience a real, high-quality fashion show," he recalls. In 2006, as a Bowie State freshman, he brought Models Inc. to campus, turning it into a haven for students in the arts—dancers, actors and dreamers—who didn’t it the traditional mold. "It became a space for belonging," Bang says, "a place to express yourself and grow."
After graduating and landing a job with the D.C. government, Bang took Models Inc. off campus, but its roots at Bowie State never faded. Recently, a determined student approached him with a bold idea: officially charter Models Inc. back at the university. Skeptical at first, Bang challenged the student to prove the need. "He did it so fast, I was blown away," Bang admits. That spark reignited Models Inc. at Bowie State, now a vibrant hub mentoring students and fostering engagement, led by Aaron Handy, the president of Models Inc. D.C. and a Delaware State University graduate, who serves as the “magician” orchestrating this work. Alongside Bang, who created the partnership with designer Romeo Hunt, Handy is the lead liaison ensuring students thrive.
Today, Bang’s vision is fueled by his own journey as an HBCU graduate and professional in the fashion world. Models Inc. isn’t just about runway struts—it’s about building kings and queens who walk through life with confidence and purpose. From mentoring Mr. Bowie State, Kyle Jones, to training the university’s royal court, Bang pours his expertise into students, showing them the value of their heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Yet, this work isn’t without challenges. Bang and his team fund much of it themselves, relying on sheer grit and the support of advocates like Dr. Shirelle Briscoe, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bowie State, who motivates the group. "We’re making it happen on our own," he says, "but imagine what we could do with more." A bus to New York Fashion Week, scholarships for students, or even a donation from alumni could amplify opportunities tenfold. Faculty, students and alumni hold the key to sustaining this legacy—because when HBCU talent rises, the world notices.
Dr. John A. Word, Sr. ('77 & '81)
My love for Bowie State University spans over 50 years. As a student, student-athlete, leader, two-time alumnus, adjunct faculty member, past national alumni association president, foundation board member, and dedicated supporter, Bowie State has shaped my life in profound ways.
As the national alumni association president from 2012-2016, I championed fundraising efforts and learned about the power of endowments, the gift that keeps on giving. I am a founding donor and supporter of several endowments at Bowie State including, the Bulldog One Groove Phi Groove Endowed Scholarship, the Center for Research and Mentoring of Black Male Students and Teachers Endowment, the Classes of 1976/77 Endowment, Professor Barbara Smith Endowment, and the BSU Sports Hall of Fame Endowment.
In 2024, my wife Marsha ('86, '90 & '05), and I were honored to be inducted into the Nelson Wells Legacy Society for our planned gift to Bowie State. Our commitment ensures that future generations continue to benefit from this incredible institution.
It is an honor to contribute in any way that I can to support this treasure called Bowie State University. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to help provide opportunities for students to receive a higher education while enjoying college life. The need to support and sustain institutions with a legacy of addressing educational disparities is more critical than ever.