Happy New Year: It’s Climbing Time at the National Treasure as Morgan Transformation Continues

Dear Morganites,

During my tenure as President of the National Treasure, I’ve drawn inspiration for my approach to leadership from several sources. Some of these sources may be familiar to you while others may be a complete surprise. Included among these is the story of my upbringing and the immense struggle it was born out of, but there is also the beauty of poetry, which provides me with a source of hope, dreams, aspiration, and purpose. With this in mind, on this New Year’s Eve, I share with you a different type of message than you would normally receive from me to end the year. 

As we close the curtain on the year that was 2023, it would be fair to say that there is a collective consensus of support for Morgan’s vision, growth and transformation. There is a harmony around how we see our university—Morgan is one of the most consequential, powerful, impactful and relevant higher education institutions in the nation. The fact that Morgan is rapidly metamorphosing into becoming a highly innovative institution, in real time, is irrefutable. Just witnessing the enhanced focus on educating a diverse workforce and citizenry, the production of consequential research that addresses the plight of urban and marginalized communities and populations, while doubling down on our anchor institution status in Baltimore City, is further evidence of our evolution.

It is exhilarating for me to be a part of this era of Morgan Momentum serving as your president. I do not take this leadership opportunity lightly, and as you have heard me say on numerous occasions, as we continue to rise, we are unequivocally committed to bringing our communities with us. Our past is our strength, and we will not vacate it as we become one of the top research HBCUs in the nation. 

In 2023, we experienced numerous successes in a variety of areas including, but not limited to enrollment, retention, research, construction, patents, investments, and students, faculty and staff winning on the world stage. As we begin our spring semester, I will address these achievements in greater detail during conversations that I plan to have with the Morgan community. We also experienced a major violent incident that momentarily shook and challenged our foundation. But through it all, we rallied together as a University family and community and let everyone know that we are “Morgan Strong” and will not let a malicious, criminal act define who we are. I’m so proud of all of you—our Regents, students, faculty and staff, alumni, and supporters who stood with us. 

As we ring in the new year, I share with you a poem written by composer and poet Peter S. Quinn. His poem, “If You Can Dream It” is a phenomenal original composition. I hope it inspires you as it does me to “keep on keeping on” as we shift Morgan Momentum into a higher gear in 2024. 

I am immensely grateful to all of you for committing yourselves to our core values: Leadership, integrity, innovation, diversity, excellence, and respect (LIIDER). Always follow the LIIDER!

Respectfully, 

President David K. Wilson