Page 14 - Racing To Excellence

Introductory Address · Bowie State
University
Today, higher education is facing many
shifts, and I think we all know that. You can
pick up the paper and read about all that’s
happening with the landscape that we’re in
for higher education: the global economy,
demographics, funding of public higher
education and exponential advances to
technology. There are changes and
challenges at every turn. And this can
threaten the very core of our universities. To
move forward in this ever-changing
landscape, what we need to do is again
come together to transform, innovate and
reinvent how we approach higher education.
I am not one who believes in serendipity. I
believe that we are here today because of a
common purpose. We are here at this
moment to ensure the future of this amazing
university that has provided outstanding
quality education for more than 150 years.
And we’re here to make sure that it
continues and that every student who
desires to pursue higher education will have
access to a quality educational experience—
both today and for tomorrow.
And, as we all know, when our students
succeed, our communities are going to
succeed. There is an ancient Greek
philosopher by the name of Plutarch who
once said: “It is indeed a desirable thing to
be well descended, but glory belongs to our
ancestors.”
As we stand here to celebrate what will be, I
ask that you take a moment —just take a
moment out today and right now – to reflect
and remember how we got here. For the wise
words spoken those many centuries ago
give meaning to today’s events and for our
future.
Introductory Address · Bowie State University
It is because of those who have gone before
us that we are able to stand here today in
this beautiful building on this beautiful
campus among some of the most
outstanding students, faculty and dedicated
staff. And so, we owe much to the leaders of
Bowie State University. Leaders such as
Principal Goodloe, the first to lead this
institution onto this site. And President
Henry, who shepherded the evolution from a
small teacher training school to a liberal
arts college. And then more recently leaders
like presidents Myers, Lyons, Lowe, and
President Burnim. You have worked
tirelessly to find a way to ensure opportunity
for many generations of students.
And I have to imagine as those leaders
traversed the landscape of higher ed that
they were going through that they had their
moments when they thought there was no
way – no way to move forward through the
ups and downs of social, political and
economic change and challenges that were
happening in this country. But you know,
they found a way to sustain the viability of
this very special university.
And so we owe it to them and to the many
faculty and staff who have gone on before
us, that have travelled this campus, a deep
devotion and gratitude. And we owe it to
them to make sure that we do everything we
can to guarantee that future generations will
have the same access to quality education
for the next 150 years.