Commencement

Bowie State University is proud of the tenacity our students demonstrated on their journey to graduation. This milestone reflected their commitment, dedication and grit, as well as the strength of the support system that guided them along the way. Their achievement was the result of hard work paired with the encouragement of those who had championed their success. The ceremony celebrated their transition from students to alumni.


Please join us as we continue to honor their dedication and perseverance. Our newest Bowie State graduates are boldly stepping into tomorrow!

  • Friday, May 22, 2026
  • 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • A.C. Jordan Arena

View More Photos From the 2026 Spring Commencement

Spring 2026 Livestream

Spring 2026 Keynote Speaker

Michael Eric Dyson

Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D. is a renowned public intellectual, professor, author and media commentator. He has taught at leading institutions such as Brown University, Columbia University and Georgetown University and currently serves as a distinguished university professor at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Dyson has written over 25 books, including seven New York Times bestsellers exploring race, politics, culture and social justice. His work has earned numerous honors, including the Langston Hughes Medal, an American Book Award and multiple NAACP Image Awards. Known for blending scholarship with cultural insight, Dr. Dyson examines figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Barack Obama and Jay-Z, shaping national conversations on race and democracy.

Learn More About the Speaker

Spring 2026 Commencement Program

Download the Commencement Program


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