Following the 11-year legacy of Mickey L. Burnim, Aminta Hawkins Breaux has stepped into the role as president of Bowie State University, making her the first woman to hold the position in the school's 152-year history.
Serving as vice president for advancement at Millersville University since 2014, Breaux comes to Bowie State with more than 35 years of leadership experience. From 2008-2014, she served as vice president for student affairs at Millersville where she oversaw financial aid, counseling services, intercollegiate athletics, residence programs, and more.
Prior to coming to Millersville, Breaux was dean of students at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia after serving as the assistant provost of Drexel University. She also held previous positions in student career services at Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania early in her career.
"Bowie State University is positioned to achieve even greater excellence in the years ahead," said University System of Maryland Chancellor Robert L. Caret in a press release. "Dr. Breaux has the leadership experience, ability, and the commitment to make that a reality. Throughout her career, she has excelled in nurturing productive relationships both on and off campus, with the goal of enhancing opportunities for students, faculty, and staff."
Holding a doctoral degree in counseling psychology from Temple University, a master's degree in psychological sciences in education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Temple, Breaux says she's honored to serve in this position and feels a sense of obligation to brighten the futures of the next generation.
"As a product of public education, I feel a special obligation to help ensure bright and successful futures for students attending our public universities," she said in a press release. "In collaboration with BSU's outstanding faculty and staff, a strong community of learners, community and government leaders, and through business partnerships, I will strive to ensure that BSU graduates have a quality educational experience and continue to have a positive impact locally, regionally, and globally."
Bowie State is the oldest Historically Black College or University in the state of Maryland, and Breaux's historic position will inspire the next generation of leaders to achieve greater success.
She stepped into her position July 1, 2017 after being appointed by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.