Morgan State University Foundation Welcomes Two New Members to Its Board of Directors

BALTIMORE — The Morgan State University Foundation (MSUF) is pleased to announce the appointment of two distinguished leaders, Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige, of Morgan State University’s Classes of 1981 and 1985, and David J. Brashear, of Morgan’s Class of 1997, to its Board of Directors. Their addition reflects the Foundation’s continued commitment to advancing Morgan State University’s mission through strategic leadership, philanthropic growth and purposeful engagement.

“We are honored to welcome Stephanie Nellons-Paige and David Brashear to the Morgan State University Foundation Board,” said Endia M. DeCordova, vice president for Institutional Advancement at Morgan State University and executive director of the Morgan State University Foundation. “Each brings a proven record of leadership and a deep commitment to service that will strengthen our philanthropic mission and broaden our impact. Their diverse expertise and shared passion for elevating Morgan will be instrumental as we continue to foster a culture of excellence and opportunity for our students and the University community.”

Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige, ’81, ’85

A nationally respected business executive and strategist, Stephanie Nellons-Paige brings more than 30 years of experience driving results across the public and private sectors. She is the co-founder and managing partner of the Nellons-Paige Group, a national strategic advisory firm she leads alongside her husband, former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige. Under their leadership, the firm has guided clients in generating hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue and long-term value through focused strategy, execution and stakeholder alignment.

Nellons-Paige also serves as senior advisor to the $30-billion Texas High-Speed Rail project and sits on the boards of Centegix, University of the Potomac, and Schmoody, a mental health and personal development app. A dedicated advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), she has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and institutional advancement, work that continues the proud Morgan alumna’s family legacy of service to HBCUs: her husband is an active Jackson State University alumnus, and their daughter is a Spelman College graduate.

A two-time Morgan State University graduate, Nellons-Paige holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Morgan. Her lifelong commitment to community and leadership extends to her roles as a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which she serves as a member of the Delta Research and Education Foundation, and as an active member of The Links, Incorporated, chairing the Major Gifts and Endowments Committee. She previously served as second vice chair of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents, following her appointment by the governor of Texas.

Her professional and philanthropic achievements have earned her recognition among Houston’s Top 30 Influential Women and an honorary doctorate for her leadership and community impact.

“Serving on the Morgan State University Foundation Board is both an honor and a homecoming of the heart,” said Nellons-Paige. “As a proud two-time graduate, I’m committed to giving forward: to pour back into the well that once poured into me and to invest in the brilliance of generations I may never see but whose light will surely shine.”

David J. Brashear, ’97

A visionary entrepreneur and respected leader in engineering and information technology, David J. Brashear serves as president and CEO of Altus Technology Solutions, a company he founded in 2004 that today employs more than 160 professionals. Under his leadership, Altus provides exceptional engineering, IT and range operations support to the federal government, earning a reputation for technical excellence and reliability.

Brashear holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Morgan State University and a Master of Science in Information Systems Technology from The George Washington University. His professional credentials include certifications as a Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Project Management Professional (PMP) training.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Brashear is deeply engaged in his community. He has served on the Board of Trustees for St. Anne’s School of Annapolis, contributing to its mission of holistic, inclusive education, and now serves on the Board of Directors for the Arundel Rivers Federation, dedicated to environmental preservation and restoration. An active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Brashear devotes his time to mentorship and community service programs uplifting underserved populations.

A loyal Morgan alum, Brashear remains an active participant in alumni initiatives, mentoring students, supporting athletic programs and championing university advancement efforts.

“I look forward to contributing my energy and experience in support of the Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives and Morgan State’s continued growth,” said Brashear. “I am genuinely honored and thrilled to join such a distinguished group of leaders committed to advancing the Foundation's mission.”

The installation of Nellons-Paige and Brashear to the MSUF Board comes at a pivotal moment for Morgan State University. Now the third-largest HBCU in the nation — with more than 11,500 students, following its fifth consecutive year of record enrollment — Morgan received a record-breaking $63-million unrestricted gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott this month — her second transformative contribution to Morgan in less than five years, bringing her total giving to $103 million. The University has committed to directing approximately 95% of the $63-million contribution — roughly $60 million — into the University’s endowment. With this investment, Morgan’s endowment will surpass $200 million, placing the University among the leading public HBCUs in financial strength and stability.

About the Morgan State University Foundation

The Morgan State University Foundation, Inc. (MSUF), is a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Established in 1971 and governed by its Board of Directors, MSUF provides financial support and counsel for Morgan State University, Maryland’s largest Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and the State’s designated Preeminent Public Urban Research University. The Foundation exists solely to promote the growth, progress and general welfare of Morgan State University. The MSUF administers private donations in support of academic programs, student scholarships, faculty development, public service initiatives and other priorities of Morgan State University. For more information about the Morgan State University Foundation and/or to support Morgan student success by contributing, please visit www.givetomorgan.org.

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Media Contacts:

Larry Jones or Dell Jackson for Morgan State University PR
443-885-3022