Morgan State University students earned a record $5.8 million in scholarships through the Morgan State University Foundation (MSUF) in fiscal year 2024. This historic amount of financial support was awarded to the largest number of scholarship recipients — 2,560 —in an academic year.
“It has been an exceptional year for our university, marked by the remarkable success of our scholarship program through the University’s foundation. We are proud to have awarded our deserving students a record number of scholarships, enabling them to pursue their academic dreams and profoundly impact their communities,” said Morgan State University President David K. Wilson in a statement. “This achievement underscores our commitment to supporting educational excellence and fostering an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors and dedicated staff for their unwavering support and dedication to student success. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our students and our institution.”
The MSUF-awarded scholarship money is distinct from the money distributed by the university’s Office of Financial Aid. The MSUF is philanthropic, playing a vital role in advancing the mission of the university’s strategic plan, “Transformation Morgan 2030: Leading the Future.” The money will ensure that current students can continue their education uninterrupted, and give new students access to pursuing their educational dreams.
“This year’s record-breaking scholarship awards reflect the Foundation’s growing endowment and our steadfast commitment to supporting the university’s mission, including fostering academic excellence and providing vital financial support to our students,” said Endia M. DeCordova, vice president for Institutional Advancement at Morgan State University and executive director of the Morgan State University Foundation, in a statement. “We are deeply grateful to our donors whose generous contributions have made this possible, enabling more students than ever to achieve their educational goals and ultimately earn their Morgan degree.”
Ten new scholarships joined the MSUF this year, bringing the total number of the Foundation’s scholarships to more than 1,500. Five of the ten have been created by or are in honor of former Morgan State University faculty or alumni. These include:
- Ruthe T. Sheffey Endowed Scholarship – alumna (’47), professor of English Emerita and longest tenured faculty
- Otto Begus Endowed Scholarship Fund – former professor and chair of Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Dr. Bernard and Mrs. Christine Dean Keels Scholars – former chaplain of the University Memorial Chapel
- Melvin and Cathy Miles Endowed Scholarship Fund – alumnus (’73) and former music conductor and direct of University Bands
- Tanya V. Rush Women’s Empowerment Endowed Fund – alumna (’79) and former assistant vice president for Student Affairs
The Morgan State University Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It was established in 1971 and provides financial support and counsel for Morgan State University, Maryland’s largest HBCU.
Morgan State is also Maryland’s designated Preeminent Public Urban Research University. It is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution, and the only university to have its entire campus designated a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
