2025
YEAR IN REVIEW
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG President & CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine
President and CEO’s Letter
50 Years of Shaping the Future of Health Equity
Dear Morehouse School of Medicine Family and Friends,
Throughout these first few weeks of the new year, I find myself reflecting on a year that was nothing short of extraordinary. In 2025, we celebrated our 50th anniversary—a milestone that reminds us of how far we’ve come and how much more we must do. From a single trailer and 24 students to a nationally recognized institution with 16 degree programs, 17 research centers and alumni serving where the needs are greatest, our journey has been fueled by courage, conviction and community.
In 2025, we achieved historic progress. Together, we completed our $500 million IMPACT Campaign two years ahead of schedule, raising $530 million to expand scholarships, strengthen faculty and advance research. We launched visionary programs, including our Division of Graduate Education in Nursing & Intercollaborative Excellence, to address maternal health disparities and workforce shortages. We opened the Calvin Smyre Educational Conference Center, expanded our national footprint through the More in Common Alliance and deepened our commitment to rural Georgia through a transformative partnership with Phoebe
Our research breakthroughs—from genomic medicine to maternal health equity—continue to position MSM as a leader in addressing the most pressing health challenges of our time. As we celebrate these successes, we remain honest about the work ahead. Economic headwinds, shifting policies and funding cuts demand that we be more strategic and innovative than ever. But if the past 50 years have taught us anything, it is this: we were built for this moment.
As we look toward the next 50 years, our mission remains clear: to ensure that every person has what they need, when they need it and in the amount they need to achieve their optimal level of health. This is not just our vision—it is our legacy.
Thank you for standing with us and for believing in health equity as the foundation for a healthier, more just future. Together, we will continue to lead, innovate and transform.
With gratitude and hope,
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG President and CEO Morehouse School of Medicine
50th Anniversary Government Proclamations
Throughout 2025, Morehouse School of Medicine hosted several signature events to celebrate its 50th anniversary and raise much-needed support for scholarships and wraparound services that improve access to an MSM education. Last year, the State of Georgia, Fulton County, and the City of Atlanta, respectively,
hosted events and issued proclamations to celebrate Morehouse School of Medicine’s 50th Anniversary and to reflect on half a century of excellence and MSM’s contributions to diversifying the healthcare workforce, serving underrepresented populations and reducing health disparities.
50th Anniversary
MSM Day of Service
As a community rooted in service, Morehouse School of Medicine aimed to collectively contribute 90k+ hours of community service on April 1, 2025. MSM’s coordinated efforts spanned multiple counties in Georgia, aiding
children, supporting environmental initiatives, caring for seniors and helping vulnerable populations. Participating organizations included Cure Childhood Cancer, Trees Atlanta and Seven Bridges to Recovery.
Together, we can transform even the smallest effort into a force powerful enough to change the world�
50th Birthday Celebration
On April 2, 2025, Morehouse School of Medicine celebrated its 50th anniversary on campus with carnivalthemed activities and games, a live DJ and delicious food for faculty, staff and special guests, including a birthday cake.
Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center Grand Opening
In April, Morehouse School of Medicine marked another historic milestone during its 50th - anniversary celebrations with the grand opening of the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center, a transformative space named for the Honorable Calvin Smyre, one of Georgia’s most influential leaders and a strong MSM supporter. The 52,300 - square - foot facility will serve as a central hub for learning, collaboration and innovation.
50th Anniversary Celebration and 15th Annual Hugh Gloster Society Dinner
On April 4, 2025, Morehouse School of Medicine hosted its 50th Anniversary and 15th Annual Hugh Gloster Society Celebration at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. MSM’s signature fundraising event raised nearly $3 million
for student scholarships. The milestone celebration, fundraiser, and award ceremony featured a performance by Babyface and an after-party hosted by Doug E. Fresh.
50th Anniversary Golf Tournament
On August 18, 2025, Morehouse School of Medicine hosted a golf tournament at the Capital City Club in Brookhaven to celebrate its 50th anniversary and raise funds for student scholarships. The tournament featured appearances by LPGA star Mariah Stackhouse and former golfer and commentator Brad Faxon.
Students
Match Day 2025
On March 21, Morehouse School of Medicine celebrated Match Day 2025, a pivotal milestone for fourth-year MD Students. Of the 92 participants, 90% secured residency placements, with 72% matching their first or only choice. About 40% will complete their residencies in Georgia, including 15% at MSM programs.
Spring Commencement
Morehouse School of Medicine conferred 178 doctorate and master’s degrees in medicine, public health and biomedical sciences at the 41st commencement on May 17, 2025. Held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel, where MSM was founded, the ceremony featured
Knowledge, compassion and resilience have prepared you to heal, lead with purpose and make a lasting impact in the world
keynote speaker Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, who served as the 18th United States Surgeon General and is an MSM alumna, having been a member of the institution’s second charter class.
Convocation and White Coat Ceremony
On September 19, 2025, Morehouse School of Medicine welcomed 319 new students at the 41st Fall Convocation and White Coat Ceremony. Founding Dean and Professor of Nursing Renee McLeod-Sordjan, DNP, PhD, FNAP, FAAN, delivered the keynote, celebrating the incoming class. It was a transformational experience for first-year students representing MSM’s Doctor of Medicine, Physician Assistant Studies, Graduate Education in Biological Sciences and Master of Public Health programs.”
We have the purpose, talent and determination to shape medicine’s future and uplift communities�
Winter Commencement
Morehouse School of Medicine conferred 111 doctorate and master’s degrees in medicine, public health and biomedical sciences at the 5th Winter Commencement Exercises on December 12, 2025. Held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel, where MSM was
founded, the ceremony featured keynote speaker Debra Houry, MD, former Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for Program and Science at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Our students are a continuation of our founding dream — a spark from the same flame lit half a century ago — now rising as a beacon of hope, resilience and radiant excellence�
Partnerships
Strategic Partnerships and Strengthened Alliances
Throughout 2025, Morehouse School of Medicine forged new strategic partnerships and strengthened existing alliances. MSM and Phoebe Putney Health System signed a historic agreement to improve community health in southwest Georgia. The More in Common Alliance, a partnership between MSM and CommonSpirit Health, launched a new medical residency program at Bakersfield Memorial in California. MSM, the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) and Bakersfield College introduced the Kern-AUCC Health Scholars Pathway, a new initiative that provides a streamlined, affordable path for students from Kern County to pursue careers in medicine.
Men’s Heart Healthy Breakfast
On February 4, 2025, Morehouse School of Medicine and its community partners kicked off its 16th annual Heart Health Week with the Men’s Heart Healthy Breakfast at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. 11Alive news anchor Jonathan Martin served as master of
ceremonies, and a panel of experts in sleep medicine and cardiology led an in-depth conversation on the impact of sleep quality on cardiovascular health and the importance of early detection and intervention.
We exemplify a collective spirit of excellence, resilience and service that continues to inspire transformative change in medicine and beyond
Advancing health equity with purpose, excellence and a steadfast commitment to serving underrepresented communities
Women With Heart Luncheon
On February 5, 2025, Morehouse School of Medicine hosted its 16th Women with Heart initiative at the Georgia Aquarium, which raises scholarship funds, promotes healthy living and increases awareness of cardiovascular disease in women. WSB-TV news anchor Karyn Greer served as the mistress of ceremonies, and
Mrs. Billye Suber Aaron, a longtime MSM benefactor, delivered the invocation. Over the past 16 years, the Women with Heart Initiative and its generous donors have provided more than $1.25 million in scholarship support to MSM students.
National Medical Association (NMA)
In July, Morehouse School of Medicine had a strong presence at the 2025 National Medical Association (NMA) Convention and Scientific Assembly in Chicago, IL. MSM leaders, faculty, students, and alumni presented throughout the nation’s premier forum on medical science and Black health. We look forward to continuing this excellent collaboration in Puerto Rico in 2026.
Leading Through Service
Community Engagement Day
On October 4, 2025, Morehouse School of Medicine hosted its 11th Community Engagement Day, themed “Resilient Together: Building a Stronger Today for a Healthier Tomorrow.” Held at the CT Martin Natatorium & Recreation Center, the event featured vendors, free health screenings, flu shots, complimentary food trucks and farmers market, entertainment and wellness resources for all ages.
50 Years of
Recognition Event, honoring team members who reached milestones of 5 to 45 years of service. This celebration was a heartfelt thank-you to MSM employees for their passion, commitment and the vital role they’ve played in making MSM stronger, better and bolder.
Closing Statement
Thanks to Everyone ���
who celebrated and supported our 50th anniversary! This milestone reminded us that our legacy isn’t just a monument of the past but a continuous, evolving flow of those committed to our mission.
The year 2025 brought unprecedented global and institutional challenges, but we believe we were built for this moment. The world needs more healthcare providers, researchers, and public health advocates who represent the communities they serve—people who recognize that health is shaped not just by science but also by access, environment and opportunity.
At Morehouse School of Medicine, our work goes beyond improving health outcomes. We are also strengthening economies, empowering communities, and ensuring that every person has what they need, when they need it, and in the amount they need to reach their optimal level of health.
