Morgan State University is celebrating a significant boost to its resources with a generous $63 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, announced on Wednesday. This transformative gift marks Scott’s second contribution to the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) within a span of less than five years, following her previous donation of $40 million in 2020.
With the current political climate posing challenges for HBCUs, including substantial losses in federal funding, the support from major donors like Scott has become increasingly crucial. As the third-largest HBCU in the nation, Morgan State University is particularly poised to utilize this significant financial inflow.
The unrestricted nature of this latest contribution allows Morgan State the flexibility to direct the funds as deemed necessary. The university plans to allocate the donation towards strengthening its endowment, improving support for student success, and advancing initiatives that reaffirm its role as an anchor institution in Baltimore and a Public Impact Very High Research University.
David K. Wilson, President of Morgan State University, expressed gratitude for Scott’s renewed investment, highlighting it as a powerful endorsement of the institution’s efforts to foster transformation within both the campus and the surrounding communities. Previously, Scott’s 2020 contribution was earmarked for Morgan’s “Leading the World Endowment Fund,” reflecting a commitment to enhancing the university’s sustainability and impact.
This substantial support not only reinforces Morgan State’s mission but also exemplifies how philanthropic efforts can aid HBCUs during challenging times, ensuring their growth and contributions to education and community development continue.