Meet Shawn Washington

How long have you been at Bowie State University?

I've been an electrician here for almost seven years in the Office of Facilities Management.

What's a typical day for you?

A typical day is mostly running work orders, but then I always get calls from the office for something that's going on. I also work on special projects like replacing the lighting pole heads in the parking lots with brighter LED lights.

What's something that you do that most people on campus don't see?

I'm here to help everybody. They see me moving around, but it's because most times I'm helping somebody.

What keeps you motivated in your role?

This campus. I love it here at Bowie State. Because of my love for the students. I have the gift of helping, so I want to help everybody. That keeps me going.

What do you do outside of work?

For twenty years I've had a pony business, so I own ponies and a horse. I deal with them every day. We entertain at birthday parties, community events, church events and family reunions where we bring the ponies out. It's a great joy seeing the smiles on the kids' faces. It was my father-in-law's business, and I got involved when he passed away.

What did you do before coming to Bowie State University?

I was an electrician at Coppin State University for about three years, and I was a private electrician before that. I enjoy working at universities more because I love sports, and colleges have sports. That was another reason that drew me here.

What's something that people around Bowie State's campus don't know about you?

I have a son that has special needs, and he's considered non-verbal. He was born three months prematurely at one pound, twelve ounces. He'll be 13 in July!

Editor's Note: This expanded photo essay was written and photographed by Ryan Pelham, Bowie State University's photographer.