Aminta Breaux Named President of Bowie State University

The University System of Maryland Board of Regents has appointed Aminta Hawkins Breaux as president of Bowie State University, one of the USM’s 12 institutions.

Breaux has served as the vice president for advancement at Millersville University in Pennsylvania for nearly three years. She will join BSU as president on July 1, 2017.

“The Board of Regents is very pleased that Dr. Breaux has accepted the appointment as Bowie State’s next president,” said USM Board Chair James T. Brady. “She brings more than 35 years of a wide range of leadership experience, including in the areas of advancement and student affairs. Her higher education experiences also include academic affairs, strategic planning, enrollment management, capital planning, and budget management. She will serve the university, the USM, and the state well.”

Since 2014, Breaux has served as vice president for advancement at Millersville University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Her areas of responsibility include development, external relations, and alumni engagement. Under her leadership, the university’s endowment has grown from approximately $30 million to $40 million.

From 2008-2014, Breaux served as Millersville’s vice president for student affairs. Among the areas she oversaw were financial aid, counseling services, intercollegiate athletics, housing and residential programs, and the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. Her many accomplishments included providing leadership for a $150 million residence hall replacement project and for the $35 million redesign of the Student Union.

Prior to joining Millersville, Breaux was dean of students at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia from 2000 to 2008 and assistant provost of Drexel University in Philadelphia from 1998 to 2000. Earlier in her career, she held positions in student career services at Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania.

“Bowie State University is positioned to achieve even greater excellence in the years ahead,” said USM Chancellor Robert L. Caret. “Dr. Breaux has the leadership experience, ability, and 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. We very much look forward to her joining the University System of Maryland community.”

“I am deeply honored and delighted to be selected as the next president of Bowie State University and to have the opportunity to build on its rich history and legacy,” said Breaux. “I look forward to working with the campus and greater community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, employers, and friends—to ensure continued success for BSU.

“As a product of public education, I feel a special obligation to help ensure bright and successful futures for students attending our public universities. 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.”

Active in the greater community, Breaux has served on many boards. She is currently a member of the Lancaster (PA) City Alliance, SCORE-Lancaster/Lebanon, and the Mission and Community Benefit Committee of Lancaster General Health. Earlier governance experiences include service on the boards of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, the University of the Sciences, Philadelphia Academies, and Leadership Lancaster.

Breaux earned her doctoral degree in counseling psychology from Temple University, master’s degree in psychological services in education from the University of Pennsylvania, and bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University.

Breaux will succeed Mickey L. Burnim, who has been BSU’s president for nearly 11 years. In September 2016, Burnim announced his plans to retire on June 30, 2017, capping a 40-year career in higher education.

The appointment of Breaux follows nearly a half-year of work by the search and screening committee appointed by Chancellor Caret in November 2016. Linda Gooden, a member of the USM Board of Regents and chair of the board’s Committee on Organization and Compensation, chaired the search committee, which included representatives from BSU’s faculty, staff, student body, alumni, Foundation Board, and Board of Visitors. The committee recommended finalists for consideration by Chancellor Caret and the Board of Regents. The board made the final appointment.

Bowie State University, with an enrollment of more than 5,600 undergraduate and graduate students, prides itself on providing real-world learning opportunities and challenging academic programs. It is located between Annapolis and Washington, DC. BSU offers 41 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, two doctoral programs, and 14 graduate and advanced study certificates. Areas of focus include computer science, information technology, nursing, natural sciences, and education.