Morgan State University Foundation Expands Leadership with Three New Board Members

BALTIMORE — The Morgan State University Foundation (MSUF) welcomes three accomplished leaders to its Board of Directors, further strengthening the Foundation's commitment to advancing the mission of Morgan State University, Maryland’s largest Historically Black College and/or University (HBCU), through philanthropy, strategic leadership and transformative partnerships. Two venerable Morgan State alumni, David Sheppard, Class of 1987 and Anthony Clark, Class of 1990, are joined by Ron Ward as the newest distinguished executive-level professionals to be appointed to the Board. Their collective expertise, commitment to service and belief in Morgan’s transformative impact will help guide the Foundation as it continues to strengthen donor engagement and support the University's long-term strategic priorities, including the expansion of philanthropic investments in academic excellence, research growth, and student success.

“The Morgan State University Foundation is honored to welcome Mr. Sheppard, Mr. Ward and Mr. Clark to our Board of Directors,” said Endia M. DeCordova, vice president for Institutional Advancement at Morgan State University and executive director of the Morgan State University Foundation. “Each brings exceptional leadership, valuable professional experience, and a steadfast commitment to Morgan’s enduring legacy and rising trajectory. Their perspectives will strengthen our governance, deepen our philanthropic impact, and help position the Foundation for continued growth as we invest in the University's future.”

David Sheppard, ‘87

David A. Sheppard is a distinguished public service leader with nearly four decades of experience in federal oversight, auditing, compliance and organizational governance. He recently retired from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General, where he served as Director of Audit Follow-Up, leading the Department's efforts to strengthen accountability and operational effectiveness through the implementation of audit and evaluation recommendations.

Throughout his career, David held numerous executive leadership positions within the federal Inspector General community, including Inspector General for the Denali Commission. His extensive experience in governance, financial oversight, risk management and compliance will serve the Morgan State University Foundation well as he assumes the role of Chair of the Foundation's Audit and Compliance Committee, helping to ensure strong stewardship, transparency, and fiduciary oversight.

A respected civic and nonprofit leader, David has served on numerous boards and advisory councils, bringing a thoughtful, strategic approach to organizational leadership and public service. His expertise will support the Foundation's continued commitment to accountability and excellence in advancing Morgan State University's mission through philanthropy.

“Thanks to Morgan, I was blessed with not only a world-class education, but some of the best friends and experiences in my life. I am who I am today because of Morgan,” noted Sheppard. “Also, my mother and father met at Morgan, so I guess I mean that literally.”

Anthony B. Clark, ‘90

Anthony B. Clark, a proud alumnus of Morgan State, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications as a distinguished four-year football letterman and scholar-athlete. His lifelong commitment to leadership and service began on Morgan’s campus, where he was initiated into the Morgan State University Chapter, The Alpha Iota of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in the Fall of 1988.

Anthony’s commitment to Morgan State University extends well beyond graduation. Grateful for the football scholarship that made his Morgan education possible, he chose to pay that investment forward by establishing the Anthony B. and Andrea Y. K. Clark Endowed Athletic and STEM Scholarship Fund. He and his wife, Andrea, who met on the campus of Morgan, later deepened that commitment by contributing an additional $100,000 to grow the endowment, ensuring that future Morgan student-athletes and STEM scholars have access to the same life-changing educational opportunities that helped shape their journey. Together, their investment reflects both their gratitude to Morgan and their shared commitment to expanding educational opportunity for generations of Bears to come.

Professionally, Anthony brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience in the Bio-Oncology and Pharmaceutical industries. He currently serves as an Executive Director with Nuvation Bio, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on advancing innovative cancer therapies and organizational excellence.

Anthony has devoted decades of service to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He served as the 37th Polemarch of the Atlanta (GA) Alumni Chapter, leading the chapter during its Centennial Year in 2024. He currently serves on the Southeastern Province Board of Directors and as Chairman of Corporate Affairs, where he leads strategic partnership and corporate engagement initiatives. Anthony also serves on several philanthropic boards and foundations within Kappa Alpha Psi, supporting leadership development, education, scholarships, and community service throughout the Fraternity.

Originally from Baltimore, the Clark family has called Atlanta home for the past 15 years. Anthony and Andrea, together with their sons, Tyler and Logan, are committed to improving the lives of others through education, philanthropy and community service. Their family supports special needs education through the Marcus Autism Institute in Atlanta, and the Bayes Achievement Center in Huntsville, Texas, reflecting a shared dedication to expanding opportunities for individuals and families.

"Serving on the Morgan State University Foundation Board of Directors is an opportunity to pay forward the investment Morgan made in me. It's a privilege to help create greater opportunities for future generations of Morgan students,” said Clark. “Morgan provided me with an exceptional education and lifelong relationships that continue to influence my life. The experiences and opportunities I gained at Morgan prepared me to compete and achieve professionally while instilling a lasting appreciation for the Morgan community."

Ron Ward

Ronald Ward is an accomplished executive leader with extensive experience in operations, strategic management and organizational transformation across multiple industries. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he currently serves as Northeast Vice President for Waste Management, Inc., where he oversees large-scale operations, environmental services, and business performance across a multi-state region. Throughout his distinguished career, Ron has held senior leadership roles with several Fortune 500 companies, earning a reputation for operational excellence, organizational growth and leading high-performing teams.

In addition to his executive leadership, Ron is an active investor and serves on nonprofit and community boards, bringing valuable experience in governance, strategic planning, and organizational stewardship.

“It is truly an honor to serve on the Morgan State University Foundation Board of Directors. I view this role as a meaningful way to give back and help advance an institution with such a strong legacy of impact and excellence,” said Ward. “What excites me most is the opportunity to support the Foundation’s mission by helping expand resources, strengthen partnerships, and ensure future generations of students have access to the same life-changing opportunities.  Even more, I believe Morgan is about to "go on a run," and I am excited to be part of it.”

Ron holds a Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University, a Master of Science from Central Michigan University, and a Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law. He also holds professional certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, and business analysis, and is the holder of two active patents.

“While my journey has been shaped by many experiences, I have long admired Morgan State University’s influence and leadership, and I am excited to contribute to its continued growth.”

As the Morgan State University Foundation continues to advance its mission, the addition of these accomplished leaders reflects the Foundation's ongoing commitment to strong governance, strategic vision, and philanthropic excellence. Together with fellow Board members, they will help guide the Foundation's efforts to expand opportunity, strengthen donor engagement, and support Morgan State University's continued growth and impact.

"The Morgan State University Foundation exists to create opportunities that transform lives," said DeCordova. "Our Board of Directors plays an essential role in ensuring we remain strong stewards of our donors' investments while expanding the impact philanthropy has on our students, faculty, and University. I look forward to the leadership and partnership these new directors will bring as we continue building Morgan's future together."

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