Reflections on 2024: A Year of Triumphs and New Horizons

Dear Morgan Community,

As we close the chapter on 2024, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on a year of significant milestones and transformative progress. Together, we’ve navigated challenges with resilience, embraced opportunities with enthusiasm, and solidified Morgan State University’s position as a beacon of excellence, innovation, and profound impact in the City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, the nation, and the world.

This year, like any other, brought a mix of highs and lows. Amongst some of the lows we witnessed were the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and the troubling rise in violence that touched HBCU communities nationwide during homecoming celebrations. For many students here at Morgan and at universities across the nation, complexities surrounding the rollout of FAFSA posed significant obstacles, and as recent as this fall, the presidential election results left some disappointed.

Yet, amidst these occasional lows, the triumphs of 2024 shone brightly, casting a meritorious light on a year brimming with positivity. Looking back upon this previous calendar year, I am happy to share that we have celebrated some of our greatest achievements ever at the National Treasure. And so, in keeping with the trend of end-of-year lists and wrap-ups, the following represents just a few of the tremendous highs we experienced together in 2024:

• Research Innovation and Leadership: The launch of our Center for Urban and Coastal Climate Science Research positioned Morgan as a trailblazer in addressing environmental challenges affecting urban and coastal communities.
• Campus Expansion and Modernization: We cut ribbons for six new and/or revitalized facilities, including the Hurt Gymnasium, the Health & Human Services Center, and four residence halls—Legacy Hall, Marshall Hall, Baldwin Hall, and Cummings House. These spaces are reshaping the student experience and enhancing our campus infrastructure.
• Academic Excellence and Recognition: Our Nursing Program earned a prestigious 10-year reaccreditation, while Bloomberg Businessweek ranked the School of Business 60th in the nation and U.S. News and World Report ranked Morgan among the top 10 HBCUs in its “Best Colleges” rankings—a testament to our commitment to academic distinction and excellence.
• Record-Breaking Research Achievements: This year, we secured a record high for single-year patents among all HBCUs nationwide. The Division of Research and Development also reported $88.5 million in federal research funding commitments.
• Global and National Representation: The Magnificent Marching Machine captivated international audiences as the first HBCU band to perform at the D-Day Anniversary Parade in Normandy, France, and was selected for the 137th Rose Parade in 2026. Morgan was also named a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for the fifth consecutive year.
• Continued Growth: Our enrollment surged to nearly 11,000 students, breaking records for the fourth year in a row and exceeding our strategic goal six years ahead of schedule and firmly placing Morgan as the third-largest HBCU in the nation. Additionally, we  awarded a single-year record of $5.8 million in donor-funded scholarships, directly supporting our students’ aspirations.

These accomplishments underscore Morgan’s ascendancy as a national leader in education, research, and community engagement. Moreover, we continue to build a solid foundation for future success, with S&P and Moody’s affirming strong credit ratings for the university.

As we embrace 2025, I remain profoundly optimistic about the road ahead. While there will certainly be a few bumps here and there along the way, I know that with the unwavering support of our Board of Regents, our dedicated faculty, staff, alumni, students, and partners, Morgan is poised to achieve even greater heights.

Let us carry the momentum of 2024 into the new year, inspired by what we’ve accomplished together and determined to chart an even brighter future. Thank you for your commitment to Morgan and its mission of excellence and transformation.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Warm regards,

 
David K. Wilson
President
Morgan State University