Three Bowie State Faculty and Staff Members Receive University System’s Highest Honors

Three members of the Bowie State University community have been recognized with University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents Faculty and Staff Awards, the system's highest recognition for faculty and staff achievement.

They were celebrated at a reception on April 26, 2026, at the USM chancellor's residence in Pikesville, Md.

Across USM's twelve institutions, only 39 individuals earned the honor among more than 42,000 employees. Bowie State remains the only historically Black college or university represented among awardees over the past two years. Bowie State University President Aminta H. Breaux joined the honorees at the spring ceremony and celebrated their achievements.

USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman said, "Every faculty and staff member we're honoring this year shows what it means to be fully committed to your purpose, to your job, and to all those served by it. I'm deeply grateful."

Bowie State's recipients were commended for excellence in teaching, creative activity and public service, demonstrating their bold and lasting impact.

Dr. Otis Thomas, chair of the Department of Communications was honored in the category of "Awards for Excellence in Creative Activity." Dr. Thomas' work shapes university-wide promotion, advertising and marketing efforts. He produces compelling content to educate the BSU community and the public about degree programs, career pathways and the value of Bowie State.

Jabari S. Walker, coordinator of sustainability and energy for the Office of Facilities Management, was commended in the category of "Extraordinary Public Service for the University or Greater Community." Walker's efforts helped lead to the construction of the world's first solar-powered bus structure in 2019. He also guided the restoration of Peace Park and secured $22 million for the Resilient Microgrid Project. Walker also was the founder of what has become the Central Maryland HBCU Climate Career Expo, linking hundreds of students and alumni.

Carla Hopkins, director of Alumni Engagement & Stewardship, was celebrated in the 2024-25 awards cycle in the category of "Extraordinary Public Service for the University or Greater Community." Hopkins has served Bowie State for seven years and has strengthened alumni engagement through her leadership roles with the Baltimore City College Alumni Board and as chair of the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women Board. Through her personal efforts, more than 25 students have applied to, attended or graduated from Bowie State.

These honors reflect the extraordinary talent, dedication and service found throughout the Bowie State community. The university proudly celebrates its recipients for the lasting impact they make on campus, within their professions and across the communities they serve.