Morgan State University is mourning the loss of its formidable former leader, Dr. Earl S. Richardson, who passed away at the age of 81. Richardson's influential 25-year term as the ninth president of the institution saw the school transform into a respected doctoral research university—a legacy left to the city of Baltimore and the state of Maryland. According to a tribute posted by current Morgan State president David Wilson, "Morgan is stronger today because of Earl S. Richardson, and for that, we are eternally grateful," which was relayed by CBS News.
Under Richardson's stewardship, the university not only significantly increased its enrollment but also managed to quickly expand its academic program offerings, adding several new schools that have to better serve a diverse student body. WMAR2 News quoted Wilson, noting, "The foundation he built allowed us to continue Morgan's upward trajectory, and much of what we have achieved in recent years is possible because of the strong platform he left behind." The expansion also included an impressive $500 million in renovations, bolstering the campus's facilities and student resources, as detailed by WMAR2 News.
Among the many honors received during his tenure, Dr. Richardson was awarded the Maryland Senate's prestigious Citizenship Award and was recognized by President Barack Obama for his outstanding service to American Higher Education. His far-reaching influence also saw him at the helm of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education Board and appointed by President Bill Clinton to lead the White House Advisory Board for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as stated by CBS News.
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