Dr. David Wilson began his tenure as President of Morgan State University on July 1, 2010. Since then, the university has had several success stories, including in the areas of research classifications, student retention rates and producing fellowships and scholars.
Leading up to Dr. Wilson’s appearance at the GBC Newsmaker Speaker Series on February 19, the GBC asked Dr. Wilson about the growth of Morgan State University and its impact on the Greater Baltimore region.
GBC: If you had limited time with a GBC member to talk about Morgan State University, what would you want them to know?
Dr. Wilson: I would want him or her to know that Morgan is the only comprehensive public, doctoral research university in the City of Baltimore. It is a brand that is respected around the world. Furthermore, I would want that person to know that Morgan:
- Is a vital resource whose intellectual capital is ripe for access
- Is an anchor institution that can create opportunities to augment business growth
- Can represent a valued pipeline to talent elevating the competitive landscape of the business community in our city and region.
What is the single most important economic impact that Morgan has on the region?
Morgan is a force to be reckoned with and we have a thorough understanding of what it means to be an economic engine within the City of Baltimore and the region. As a result of a third-party study that we commissioned, we learned that Morgan State University is a major economic engine for the city and state annually producing $1 billion in statewide economic impact, supporting 6,500 jobs and generating $47 million in state tax revenues. About 60 percent of that economic and employment impact occurs in Baltimore. Beyond the economy, Morgan is committed to community engagement, spearheading a variety of mutually beneficial initiatives. We focus on the issues that matter most to the state’s well-being and in-state innovation retention.
What do you want your legacy to be as Morgan State University’s President?
Over the past decade, Morgan has undergone a very comprehensive transformation, standing today as a larger, more advanced higher education enterprise. When my time has ended, I would want people to look back upon my presidency at Morgan and recognize the significant financial investment that has been made in the development of new facilities and renovations. I would want our alumni, students, staff, friends and supporters to be able to appreciate the tremendous facelift that Morgan has received both in a physical and allegorical sense:
- Within the past 10 years, the university has been elevated to the high research standing of R2 and we’re setting our sights to reach R1 [a doctoral university considered to have the highest research activity].
- A greater focus has been placed on producing more prestigious fellowships and scholars (we’re leading in producing Fulbrighters with an eye toward our first Newman and Rhodes Scholars).
- The neighborhood within which we reside has been transformed as a result of the Northwood Commons project, connections with surrounding community associations and creating a more dynamic Northeast Baltimore that coincides with the rise of Morgan.
- Morgan has become more well-known around the world, a global brand.
We inspire to be the best institution with an increased student body of up to 10,000 students.
To learn more, register to attend the GBC’s Newsmaker Speaker Series with Dr. David Wilson, President of Morgan State University.
Story by Zoe Adams