The Office of International Programs and the College of Arts and Sciences at Bowie State University (BSU) officially launched its Center for Global Engagement (CGE) on Nov. 15 with an inauguration ceremony. The CGE was established in 2009 to coordinate all global engagement efforts and activities including curriculum programs, study abroad programs and other international program aspects. “The Center for Global Engagement is one of the top initiatives to expand our international programs and resources,” said Dr. Elliott Parris, director of the Office of International Programs, in a statement. “We are thrilled to officially inaugurate the center and move forward with our plans to offer students a stronger international experience while at Bowie State University.”
The university’s Center for Global Engagement is developing a study abroad curriculum in the form of a general education course that would encourage Bowie State University students to pursue an international experience as part of their undergraduate education.
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. George Acquaah, has been an integral supporter of the Center for Global Engagement project. “My experience traveling to Ghana with some of our faculty members allowed me to see the opportunities for learning and cultural awareness for our students,” he stated. “Through the CGE, students will soon be able to incorporate a study abroad program not only to Ghana, but eventually to other countries throughout the world as we continue our plans to expand.”
Through a planning grant awarded to the College of Arts and Sciences as part of a consortium effort led by Michigan State University, Bowie State University was provided the opportunity to develop study abroad programs to Africa.