Bowie State University Partners with Laurel College Center to Bring In-Demand Educational Programs to More People

(LAUREL, Md.) – Bowie State University (BSU) President Aminta H. Breaux joined Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) President Charlene M. Dukes, Howard Community College (HCC) President Kathleen Hetherington and Laurel College Center (LCC) Program Director Nancy L. Grinberg to announce the signing of an agreement that expands Bowie State’s presence in Maryland and provides opportunities for more students to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in business administration, one of the university’s most popular and in-demand programs.

With this new partnership, students pursuing associate degrees at PGCC and HCC will be able to take courses in Bowie State’s accredited program at the Laurel College Center leading to a bachelor’s degree in business administration. The program enables students to take courses exploring a wide range of business fields, including banking and finance, information systems, and entrepreneurship. The university will begin offering courses at LCC in fall 2018.

Bowie State business administration graduates are highly recruited by the region’s top employers, some of which partner with the College of Business to provide internships and mentors to students. Bowie State has a hub for entrepreneurship as the home to Maryland’s first business incubator at a historically black university, the Bowie Business Innovation Center, and the Entrepreneurship Academy, which facilitates programs aimed at supporting budding business owners.

“Bowie State’s partnership with Laurel College Center means that more people will have greater access to high-quality higher education and make a positive impact in their communities, advancing public education for the public good,” said Dr. Breaux of Bowie State. “Bowie State’s outstanding business administration degree program prepares students to be leaders in business, government and nonprofits.”

Located in Prince George’s County, the Laurel College Center was established in 2001 as a partnership between Howard Community College and Prince George’s Community College. In subsequent years, LCC has become a Maryland regional higher education center, offering courses and degree programs at all levels of study from a number of colleges and universities. More than 1,400 community college students are participating in courses offered at LCC.

“At the Laurel College Center, Howard Community College provides students with personalized and supportive education that will prepare them for the workforce of the future,” said Dr. Hetherington of Howard Community College. “The addition of Bowie State University as a four-year university partner will enhance the educational opportunities for students on their pathways to success.”

Bowie State will be the only institution allowed to offer business administration programs at LCC. Students enrolled in the Bowie State program at LCC will receive the same benefits and support as students at the Bowie campus, including access to academic and research facilities, educational resources, social events, and the university bookstore.

“Prince George’s Community College has a history of providing diverse educational opportunities to our students,” said Dr. Charlene M. Dukes, president of Prince George’s Community College. “Through this partnership at the Laurel College Center and with Bowie State University, we are able to continue that tradition and provide our students with another opportunity to pursue their career aspirations.”

Bowie State is the latest Maryland university to partner with the Center in offering degree programs, joining Morgan State University, University of Maryland, College Park, University Maryland School of Nursing and University of Maryland University College. This new collaboration is part of a statewide effort led by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to provide a seamless educational experience for students while expanding educational opportunities for Maryland citizens.

The Laurel College Center is located in downtown Laurel at 312 Marshall Avenue. 

About Bowie State University

Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit www.bowiestate.edu.