Morgan State University President David K. Wilson has been named a recipient of the esteemed Dr. Frederick S. Humphries Sr. Leadership Award, presented by the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) at Clark Atlanta University. The recognition was formally conferred during a special ceremony held in June on the campus of Clark Atlanta University.
The award, named in honor of the legendary HBCU leader and transformative president of Florida A&M University and Tennessee State University, celebrates individuals whose work upholds and advances the enduring mission of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Since its inception in 2021, the award has recognized academic leaders who exemplify excellence in service, scholarship, and the mentorship of future HBCU leadership.
Dr. Wilson, a nationally respected figure in higher education, has served as Morganâs president for over a decade, during which time he has not only elevated the Universityâs academic profile but has also emerged as a prominent national advocate for HBCUs. His portfolio of honors includes the 2023 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education and his election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Association of Colleges and Universities. He serves on several distinguished boards, including the Lumina Foundation and the TIAA Board of Directors.
âIt is a profound honor to be recognized with an award bearing the name of Dr. Frederick S. Humphriesâa towering figure in higher education whose legacy continues to inspire. I accept this honor not as an individual accolade, but on behalf of Morgan State University and our collective work to transform lives and champion the mission of HBCUs,â said President Wilson. âThroughout my career, I have been fortunate to be guided by the wisdom of remarkable mentors and leaders like Dr. Humphries. It is now my responsibility to pass that knowledge forward, to ensure the next generation of HBCU leaders is well-prepared to build on this legacy of excellence.â
The HBCU Executive Leadership Institute was founded to strengthen the pipeline of future HBCU presidents and executive leaders. With a curriculum that blends real-world training, mentorship, and performance-based development, ELI prepares fellows to step confidently into senior leadership roles within the more than 100 HBCUs across the country.
President Wilsonâs selection for the Dr. Frederick S. Humphries Sr. Leadership Award reinforces his role as a national thought leader in higher education and affirms Morganâs status as a beacon of academic innovation and student success in the HBCU community.