Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Keadrick Peters, Champion of Civic Engagement

Dr. Keadrick Peters, adjunct professor in the Department of Behavioral Science, has made it his mission to weave service and social justice into the fabric of student life at Bowie State University. As a leader in BSU's Office of Multicultural Programs & Civic Engagement, he has transformed how students experience civic responsibility on campus by creating opportunities that combine hands-on service with meaningful reflection.

He was originally hired to oversee Multicultural Programs & Services, and his role expanded in 2024 to include civic engagement. The shift has allowed him to develop service-learning experiences that empower students to see themselves as active contributors to their communities.

"I see my role as helping students recognize that civic engagement is a lifelong journey," he said. "It's about building a habit of giving back to our communities, not just during college but throughout their lives."

That vision was on full display this year when Dr. Peters led the planning of BSU's first 9/11 Care Package Event. The program brought together 85 volunteers to assemble and distribute 300 care packages to local hospitals and first responders. It combined service with dialogue, including a panel featuring Dr. Batten, a 9/11 first responder at the Pentagon, and left students inspired to reflect on the legacy of 9/11. Many shared that it was their first time having an in-depth conversation about the events of that day.

His commitment extends far beyond a single event. Each year, Dr. Peters coordinates hallmark service programs such as the Race for Service in November, which prepares lunch care packages for people experiencing homelessness, and the MLK Day of Service each January. He is also expanding virtual opportunities like the Bulldog Read Program, which pairs students and alumni to read to seniors online during the holiday season. These initiatives give students diverse ways to connect with others and contribute to the greater good.

In addition to his campus work, Dr. Peters serves as a member of BSU's Social Justice Alliance, where he helps students link civic engagement to social equity and community wellness. He believes this connection is vital to creating lasting change.

"Service helps our students find purpose, build community and see themselves as agents of change," Dr. Peters said. "That's what makes this work so meaningful."

Students and alumni who want to get involved can find upcoming opportunities on the Civic Engagement events calendar.