Commencement
Due to the forecast for severe weather, Bowie State University’s Spring 2026 Commencement will move indoors to A.C. Jordan Arena on Friday, May 22 at 9 a.m. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we make this change to prioritize safety and ensure the best possible experience for graduates and their guests.
Bowie State University is proud of the tenacity our students demonstrate on their journey to graduation. This milestone reflects their commitment, dedication and grit, as well as the strength of the support system that has guided them along the way. Their achievement is the result of hard work paired with the encouragement of those who have championed their success. The upcoming ceremony will celebrate their transition from students to alumni.
Please join us as we prepare 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
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.
