Baltimore Sun Names Morgan State University President David Wilson Among “25 Black Marylanders to Watch” for 2026

BALTIMORE — Morgan State University President David K. Wilson joins the distinguished ranks of visionary leaders whose transformative work is actively shaping Maryland’s future across civic, cultural, economic and educational spheres. President Wilson was named one of The Baltimore Sun’s “25 Black Marylanders to Watch” for 2026, alongside 24 other accomplished achievers across a diverse field of industry and business. Previous honorees include former Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, and author and activist Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Selected by The Sun’s editors and reporters, the annual recognition highlights Black Marylanders whose leadership, vision, and impact are advancing communities locally and nationally. Throughout February, readers were treated to stories of how those recognized successfully amplified their communities’ voices, rose through the ranks of Baltimore-area institutions, and represented the region on the global stage.

President Wilson’s inclusion reflects his trailblazing presidency and sustained stewardship of Morgan State University, marked by a 15-year tenure of positive momentum, institutional growth and historic gains. Since becoming Morgan’s tenth inaugurated president, Dr. Wilson has led Morgan through a period of remarkable ascendency, elevating the University’s profile as the national model for public urban research institutions.

The Baltimore Sun’s recognition adds to a growing list of state and national honors endorsing President Wilson’s visionary governance, steady gravitas, and unwavering commitment to student success, research excellence, and community advancement—hallmarks that continue to define Morgan’s trajectory and steadfast adherence to its mission.

His selection adds to growing “25 Black Marylanders to Watch” honorees with ties to the National Treasure including Morgan alum Nykidra “Nyki” Robinson, founder of Black Girls Vote, director of the Magnificent Marching Machine Melvin N. Miles, Jr., who as honored among “5 Living Legends,” and Dena Freeman-Patton, vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Morgan.

Earlier this year, President David Wilson was recognized with Insight Into Academia magazine’s 2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education Award. This national honor celebrates senior leaders whose bold, strategic innovations have advanced institutional excellence, strengthened community connections, and created meaningful, measurable impact for students, employees, and the broader academic ecosystem.

About Morgan

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master’s degree, doctorate and certificate programs. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu. 

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Media Contacts:

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