Fall 2023 Commencement Program

C OMMENCEMENT FA L L 2 0 2 3

COMMENCEMENT FALL 2023

C OMMENCEMENT

D ECEMBER 2019

The Fifteenth of December, Two-Thousand and Twenty-three Nine Thirty O’clock in the Morning Talmadge L. Hill Field House Morgan State University 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane Baltimore, Maryland 21251 www.morgan.edu

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To Our Guests Welcome to the tenth Fall Commencement Exercises of Morgan State University. The University solicits your cooperation in helping to sustain the dignity and solemnity of this happy occasion. We respectfully request that you refrain from engaging in conversation as well as moving about while the Commencement Exercises are in progress. Once the exercises have begun, only members of the authorized working press and authorized photographers are permitted on the arena floor.

We ask our guests to stand as the academic procession moves into the arena and to remain standing until after the singing of the Hymn.

Thank you.

The list of graduates that appears in this booklet is tentative and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all requirements for graduation, and participation in these Commencement Exercises cannot be interpreted as having completed all requirements for graduation from Morgan State University.

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Anthem LIFT EV’RY VOICE AND SING Composed by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson Lift ev’ry voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the list’ning skies.

Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us.

Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chast’ning rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet, Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way.

Thou who has by Thy might, Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, Our God, where we met Thee.

Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand, True to our God, True to our Native land.

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The Alma Mater

Alumni Oath of Allegiance

I. Fair Morgan, we love thee, so tried and so true, Our hearts at thy name thrill with pride; We owe thee allegiance, we pledge thee our faith, A faith which shall ever abide.

–Chorus– We pledge thee our love, we pledge thee our faith, Whatever the future may bring, And thus our devotion, fidelity too, And homage we pay as we sing.

II. Fair Morgan, as onward the years quickly fly, And thou livest in memory sweet.

We bring thee our laurels whatever they be, And lay them with joy at thy feet.

–Chorus–

I hereby solemnly pledge unbroken allegiance to Alma Mater in appreciation for opportunities for development afforded me as a student at Morgan State University.

I pledge active membership in the National Alumni Association wherever I may be. Through association with fellow alumni, I shall ever do my best to uphold the ideals and traditions of Alma Mater.

I pledge as a citizen to exemplify the high ideals thus implied, rendering positive service to community, state and nation, and so to live as ever to bring honor and respect to Alma Mater.

Author: Flora E. Strout

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Officers of the University THE BOARD OF REGENTS The Honorable Kweisi Mfume, Chair Gen. (Ret.) Larry R. Ellis, Vice Chair The Honorable Tracey L. Parker-Warren, Secretary Ms. Swati Agrawal Ms. Paityn-Amor Brooks, Student Regent The Rev. Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Dr. Linda J. Gilliam Dr. Burney J. Hollis Ms. Emily M. Hunter

Dr. Shirley M. Malcom Mr. Brian D. Pieninck Mr. William A. Sherman II Ms. Shelonda D. Stokes Mr. Carl W. Turnipseed Mr. Winston A. Wilkinson

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS Dr. David K. Wilson, President Dr. Hongtao Yu, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Dr. Kevin M. Banks, Vice President for Student Affairs Sen. Joan Carter-Conway, Deputy Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs Ms. Endia DeCordova, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Ms. Dena Freeman-Patton, Vice President and Director for Intercollegiate Athletics Ms. Julie D. Goodwin, General Counsel Ms. Armada Grant, Special Assistant to the President Mr. David LaChina, Interim Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Willie E. May, Vice President for Research and Economic Development Ms. Kim McCalla, Vice President for Facilities, Design and Construction Management Dr. Cynthia Mendoza, Interim Vice President/Chief Information Officer for Division of Information Technology Dr. Kara M. Turner, Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success Dr. Don-Terry Veal, Vice President for State and Federal Relations and Chief of Staff to the President

ACADEMIC DEANS Dr. Abimbola Asojo, Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr., Dean of the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., School of Engineering Dr. Ali Emdad, Interim Dean of the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management Dr. Mark D. Garrison, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies Prof. Jacqueline Jones, Dean of the School of Global Journalism and Communication Dr. Anna McPhatter, Dean of the School of Social Work Dr. M’bare N’gom, Dean of the James H. Gilliam, Jr., College of Liberal Arts Dr. Glenda Prime, Dean of the School of Education and Urban Studies Dr. Kim Dobson Sydnor, Dean of the School of Community Health and Policy Dr. Paul B. Tchounwou, Dean of the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences Dr. Nicole M. Westrick, Dean of the College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies

UNIVERSITY COUNCIL OFFICERS Dr. Sharon Oliver-Whitehurst, Chair Dr. Samia Kirchner, Vice Chair

Dr. Sharlene Allen, Secretary Dr. Maxim Bushuev, Parliamentarian

STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS Ms. Brooke Foyles, Student Government Association President Ms. Kayla Clark, Student Government Association Vice President

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Order of Procession MARSHALS Chief Faculty Marshal of the University Dr. Milford A. Jeremiah Associate Marshals Ms. Heidi A. Bruce Dr. Edwin T. Johnson

Mrs. Natasha Lewis-Williams

Marshals for the Faculty Dr. Ernest Brevard Dr. Nilajah Nyasuma Sims

Dr. Tyrone Stanley Dr. Dionne Thorne

Marshal for the College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies Dr. Carla Jackson Marshals for the School of Graduate Studies Dr. Virginia L. Byrne Dr. Omari Jackson Marshals for the James H. Gilliam, Jr., College of Liberal Arts Dr. Amber Hodges Mr. Tavon McLaughlin-Steele Dr. Inte’A DeShields Marshals for the School of Architecture and Planning Dr. Samia Kirchner Dr. Lewis Waller Marshals for the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management Dr. Tamera Farrar Dr. Julaine Rigg Marshals for the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences Ms. Rolicia Martin

Dr. Ernest C. Steele, Jr.

Marshal for the School of Education and Urban Studies Dr. Thurman L. Bridges Marshals for the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., School of Engineering Dr. James Hunter Dr. Monica Poindexter Dr. Dong Hee Kang Marshals for the School of Global Journalism and Communication Ms. Angela Gatither-Scott Dr. Janice Smith Marshals for the School of Social Work Dr. Sharlene Allen-Milton Dr. Georgia Jennings-Dorsey Dr. Darryl Greene Dr. Dawn Thurman

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THE PROCESSION

PLATFORM PARTY

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATORS

PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT OF THE MSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

FACULTY EMERITI

CLERGY

FACULTIES OF THE UNIVERSITY

REGISTRAR GRADUATE CANDIDATES Doctorates Masters

PRESIDENT OF THE SENIOR CLASS SPECIAL GUESTS

UNDERGRADUATE CANDIDATES College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies Bachelors of Science

ASSISTANTS TO THE PRESIDENT UNIVERSITY COUNSEL

James H. Gilliam, Jr., College of Liberal Arts Bachelors of Arts Bachelors of Fine Arts Bachelors of Science

CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE PRESIDENT CHAIR OF MILITARY SCIENCE CHAIR OF THE COMMENCEMENT COMMITTEE

School of Architecture and Planning Bachelors of Science

DEANS OF THE UNIVERSITY VICE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY

Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management Bachelors of Science

UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS

School of Community Health and Policy Bachelors of Science

PROVOST AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences Bachelors of Science

CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

School of Education and Urban Studies Bachelors of Science

PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY

Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., School of Engineering Bachelors of Science School of Global Journalism and Communication Bachelors of Science School of Social Work Bachelors of Science

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The Presidential Chain of Office The Morgan State University Presidential Chain of Office is bestowed upon each President of the University at an official inauguration ceremony and is worn by the President at Commencement and all official occasions requiring the wearing of academic regalia. It is a permanent insignia of office and is passed down to each succeeding president of the University.

The Morgan State University Presidential Chain of Office is cast in bronze with an antique patina and consists of a chain of 1 1/2-inch medallions engraved with the names of the presidents of the institution and the four periods and dates in its evolution: Centenary Biblical Institute, Morgan College, Morgan State College and Morgan State University. The medallions for the current and past presidents drape around the front, and the medallions noting the periods in the history of the institution drape around the back of the academic regalia. Near the bottom of the Chain are two banners with laurel leaves, attached to two round medallions bearing the official logo of the University. At the bottom of the Chain is a banner, crested with laurel leaves, bearing the inscription President, below which sits the official Presidential Medallion, a 3-inch round medal with a double-faced design embossed in bas-relief with the Seal of the University and its colors on the front and engraved with the University logo on the verso plane.

Below the Presidential Medallion is a banner inscribed with the name of the current President.

The Presidential Chain was designed by the Inauguration Committee for Morgan’s Tenth Inaugurated President, Dr. David Wilson, in collaboration with the Office of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, and crafted by Medallic Art Company of Northwest Territorial Mint in Dayton, Nevada, in 2010. It was donated by Dr. Clara I. Adams, Morgan State University Class of 1954, former Special Assistant to the President, and Mr. Wilbert L. Walker, Morgan State University Class of 1950.

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The Morgan State University Mace The mace (Arabic, amūd; Latin, mascea) was originally a weapon: a short handle topped with a metal ball, its bludgeoning force eclipsed that of a club. A common sight in medieval armies, the mace also served as a symbol of authority, appearing on the seals of such monarchs as Edward the Confessor, Philip Augustus and Frederick Barbarossa. In academic settings, a bedellus (lay church official) processed with the mace during commencement; hence, it was adopted by colleges and universities throughout the West and, in the United States, is usually borne by the Chief Faculty Marshal in academic processions.

During its Sesquicentennial Celebration — December 2016 through December 2017 — Morgan State University retired its sixty-year-old mace and replaced it with a longer mace that can accommodate the names of additional Presidents over the years and that displays more prominently the insignia of the four major periods of its development: Centenary Biblical Institute, Morgan College, Morgan State College and Morgan State University.

The new mace, crafted by the Medallic Art Company in Dayton, Nevada, has a 36-inch-tall fluted mahogany staff with 14 antique brass banners encircling it, the first ten engraved with the names and terms of the inaugurated Presidents of the University. The mace head is a four-sided mahogany crown that bears images of three iconic Morgan structures and, on one side, the seal of the University, all in bronze, and, at its top the traditional flame of knowledge. The base of the mace is adorned with a tiered brass foot. The new mace was designed by the Sesquicentennial Celebration Coordinating Committee, and it is a Sesquicentennial Gift to the University from the MSU Alumni Association.

CHIEF FACULTY MARSHALS OF THE UNIVERSITY 1914–1948 Dr. Milton L. Calloway 1948–1966 Dr. George H. Spaulding 1966–1974 Dr. Nathaniel K. Proctor

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1974–2009 Dr. Clayton C. Stansbury 2009– Dr. Milford A. Jeremiah

The Dr. Iva G. Jones Medallion Emblem Some colleagues and community friends of the late Dr. Iva Gwendolyn Jones, Professor Emerita of the Morgan State University Department of English, honored her as a scholar, leader and teacher, by extending as a gift to Morgan State University the Dr. Iva G. Jones Medallion Emblem, which is the conception of the late Assistant Professor Emeritus Samuel L. Green, who was one of the two co-designers of the symbol. The second co-designer, and medallion silversmith, was retired Associate Professor Kenneth Royster.

The Emblem fabric approximates in width the border of the master’s hood, is velvet, and employs the University colors — blue and orange. The detachable chain, which surmounts the emblem and helps to drape the wearer’s front and shoulders, bears silver mounts that hold the medallions in suspension.

Appraisers have assessed each silver medallion at more than ten times the value of the United States silver dollar, which the medallions resemble. The 21 emblem medallions — which the Philadelphia Mint created exclusively for the Negro Commemorative Society (Membership Number 1043) — display the images of African-American notables such as Crispus Attucks, Benjamin Banneker, Henry O. Tanner, Lorraine Hansberry, Mary Church Terrell, Alaine Locke and Ralph Bunche.

Annually, colleagues, employing University-approved criteria, select an individual to wear the Emblem. Those honored by this selection are persons who reflect vividly in their professional lives the qualities distinguishing the individual whose name the Emblem bears.

AWARDEES 2019–2020 2020–2021 2021–2022 2022–2023

Dr. Christine Hohmann, Full Professor of Biology, School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences Dr. Celeste Chavis, Associate Professor of Transportation & Urban Infrastructure Studies Dr. Leah Hollis, Associate Professor, Advanced Studies Leadership & Policy, School of Education & Urban Studies Dr. Golshan Javadian, Associate Professor, Business Administration, Earl G. Graves School of Business & Management For the full list of past awardees, please visit the following web page: https://commencement.morgan.edu/awards.

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The Dr. Sandye Jean McIntyre II International Award The Dr. Sandye Jean McIntyre II International Award, a sash designed and tailored specifically for this award, is inspired by the diplomatic sash customarily worn for formal occasions by ambassadors, consuls and other dignitaries. It is red satin accented with a traditional rosette and blue, white, yellow and green ribbons, representing the flags of the United States of America, France, Senegal and other countries with which Dr. McIntyre had contact in his diplomatic and academic careers. In the center front of the sash, a specially commissioned gold medal (struck by Charles Nusinov and Sons) features a world map enclosed by laurel wreaths and the name of the award.

The Award was established in 1997 and conferred upon Dr. McIntyre at the annual Founders Day Convocation in 1997. It is given to that member of the Morgan faculty who demonstrates extraordinary commitment to global learning and international understanding and who promotes international programs at Morgan.

AWARDEES 2019 2021

Dr. Mingchao Cai, Associate Professor of Mathematics, School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences Dr. Kimberly Warren, Associate Professor of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts

For the full list of past awardees, please visit the following web page: https://commencement.morgan.edu/awards.

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The Academic Regalia The traditional black caps and gowns worn by students and faculty in the academic procession have been the historic regalia of scholars since medieval times. Because many scholars of that period were members of monastic orders, the academic regalia probably represents an adaptation of ecclesiastical dress.

A uniform code for academic regalia was drafted by an intercollegiate commission in 1893 and has since been adopted by the majority of colleges and universities in the United States. Each of the three academic degrees — bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral — has its own distinctive gown and hood. The gown representing the bachelor’s degree is distinguished by its long pointed sleeve. The master’s gown has a longer, narrow, closed sleeve, extending below the knee. The arm is passed through a slit at the elbow. In contrast, the doctor’s gown is faced with wide velvet bands, which may be black or a color indicating the general field of learning of the wearer — for example, dark blue for philosophy, green for medicine and purple for law.

The most colorful and distinctive item of the academic regalia is the hood, which passes around the neck and extends down the back. The doctor’s hood is the largest, and the bachelor’s hood is the smallest. Often the use of a bachelor’s hood is omitted. The wearer’s field of learning is indicated by the color of the hood and the tassel. Among the colors of hoods are: Architecture ..................................................... Blue Violet Arts, Letters, Humanities ........................................ White City Planning ................................................... Blue Violet Commerce, Accountancy, Business ........................... Drab Education .......................................................... Light Blue Engineering ............................................................ Orange Fine Arts ................................................................... Brown Human Ecology ....................................................... Purple Journalism ............................................................ Crimson Library Science ....................................................... Lemon Medicine .................................................................. Green

Music ......................................................................... Pink Nursing ................................................................ Apricot Philosophy ...................................................... Dark Blue Physical Education ......................................... Sage Green Public Administration ................................ Peacock Blue Public Health .............................................. Salmon Pink Science ...................................................... Golden Yellow Social Science ........................................................ Citron Social Work .......................................................... Citron Speech (Oratory) ..................................................... Silver Theology and Divinity .......................................... Scarlet

The colors of the silk lining exposed in the center of the hood are those of the college or university which conferred the degree. The tassel may be either black or the color of the field of learning. The tassel of the doctor’s cap is usually gold.

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The Academic Degrees The first known degree was a doctorate conferred by the University of Bologna in the middle of the 12th century. Originally, the doctor’s and master’s degrees were used interchangeably, each indicating that the holder was qualified to give instruction to students. The bachelor’s or baccalaureate degree indicated only entrance upon a course of study preparatory to the doctorate or mastership. Gradually, however, the bachelor’s degree came to mean successful completion of one level of study preparatory to the higher degrees.

Today, there are more than 1,600 different academic degrees conferred by colleges and universities in the United States. The advanced degrees granted by Morgan State University are the Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of City and Regional Planning, Master of Engineering, Master of Public Health, Master of Social Work, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Public Health.

THE DOCTORAL DEGREE The doctoral degree or doctorate represents the most advanced degree conferred at institutions of higher education in the United States. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a doctor in the academic sense as “one who, in any faculty or branch of learning, has attained to the highest degree conferred by a university.”

There are two major types of doctoral degrees: earned doctorates and honorary doctorates. Earned doctorates are further divided into two distinct types: the research degree and the professional or practitioner degree. The distinguishing feature of the research degree is that it normally requires a lengthy scholarly dissertation, which is usually designed to constitute a substantial contribution to the existing body of knowledge in its field. The most important doctorate of the research type at institutions of higher education in the United States is the Doctor of Philosophy. The only other earned doctorate of the research type which has secured wide recognition and use by a large number of leading United States universities is the Doctor of Education.

THE MASTER’S DEGREE * The master’s degree is an academic honor conferred upon students who have successfully completed one or two years’ work beyond the baccalaureate. A thesis and an oral examination are usually required. The word magister connected with a qualifying phrase was used among the Romans as the title of honor, but its present meaning must be traced to the time of the establishment of the oldest universities. Regularly organized faculties were not then known as they now exist in the universities. The whole circle of academic activity was limited to seven liberal arts. Those who received public honors in the completed studies, and who had already received the degree of baccalaureus (bachelor), were called magistri artium (masters of the liberal arts).

THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE ** The bachelor’s degree represents completion of a four-year course of study of collegiate grade and is the oldest academic degree used at institutions of higher learning in the United States. The degree of Bachelor of Arts was the first conferred in the United States in 1642 on nine young men, comprising the first graduating class of Harvard College. Yale conferred its first Bachelor of Arts in 1702; Princeton in 1748; William and Mary in 1753; Pennsylvania in 1757; Columbia in 1758; and Morgan State to George W.F. McMechen in 1895.

* Eells, Walter Crosby. Degrees in Higher Education. New York: The Center for Applied Research in Education, 1967. ** Sometimes designated as the baccalaureate degree, from the Latin baccalaris, “under the influence of,” and lauris, “laurel,” used as a designation of honor, distinction or fame.

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Commencement Speaker & Honorary Degree Recipient KIM GODWIN Doctor of Public Service Kim Godwin, president of ABC News, America’s No. 1 news network, is the first Black woman to serve as a network news president.

Throughout her career journey through the highest echelons of leadership in the broadcast news industry, Godwin has overseen newsgathering and managed complete editorial oversight across a global portfolio of news properties. At the network level, Godwin has executiveproduced news programming, managed a nightly news broadcast, created cross-digital content and earned recognition for award-winning programming and reporting. Since joining ABC News in 2021, Godwin has driven and overseen bold, innovative, straightforward journalism and storytelling, and has further pushed into streaming with ABC News Studios, which delivers a diverse slate of programming, including feature documentaries, series and specials across ABC, Hulu, Disney+ and National Geographic.

In addition to guiding the development of award-winning content, Godwin has built a more diverse talent and senior executive team that better reflects and represents the communities ABC News serves. She has greatly diversified content on all platforms, including broadening the award-winning “Soul of a Nation” franchise. Under Godwin’s leadership, ABC News earned a record 41 Emmy nominations in 28 categories ― the most of any news division and the most for ABC News in 53 years ― as well as the esteemed Edward R. Murrow and Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia Awards. Godwin also oversees the editorial and business operations for broadcast, digital, streaming and audio news across the organization, which includes the trusted and iconic franchises “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight,” “20/20,” “Nightline,” FiveThirtyEight, “The View” and “This Week.”

In 2023, Godwin was honored with the T. Howard Foundation’s Executive Champion Award for her commitment to the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, included on the ColorComm28 list, named one of Ad Age’s “Leading Women” and featured on Crain’s New York’s “Notable Black Leaders” list.

Just last year, Godwin was named one of the “Most Powerful People in New York Media” by The Hollywood Reporter, featured on EBONY’s Power 100 list as a “Media Maven” and included on Variety500 and Insider’s 100 People Transforming Business list. She was also honored with the Gracie’s Leadership Award by the Alliance for Women in Media and the 2022 Radio Television Digital News Foundation (RTDNF) First Amendment Service Award. Over the course of her career, Godwin has been privileged to receive six National News and Documentary Emmy Awards, two Edward R. Murrow Awards, an Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia Award and a Sigma Delta Chi Award. She is also a well-regarded member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Godwin began her accomplished, 35-year career running local newsrooms in markets across the U.S., and has been continuously dedicated to championing excellence and the vital role of journalism. Before joining Disney in 2021, Godwin served as executive vice president of News at CBS, where she directed newsgathering across the global portfolio with full editorial oversight and launched “CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell” as executive producer.

Godwin is a fierce champion for inclusion and telling representative stories. In 2020, she helped develop and oversaw the CBS News Race and Culture Unit and CBS Village, a multiplatform franchise to highlight content about diverse groups. She was recognized in November 2020 by the National Association of Black Journalists and the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University with the Ida B. Wells Award, for her work in advocating for coverage of communities of color, building a diverse newsroom and championing young journalists throughout their careers.

Godwin is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism, and now chairs the board of visitors at her alma mater’s journalism school.

Godwin is married to the accomplished assistant superintendent of Clayton County Public Schools, in Georgia, and has a wonderful, blended family of two daughters and two stepchildren.

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Honorary Degree Recipient THE HONORABLE LARRY HOGAN Doctor of Public Service The Honorable Larry Hogan served as Maryland’s 62nd governor after being elected in 2014, becoming only the second Republican to hold the office in nearly 50 years and the first Republican governor to win a second term in Maryland since 1954. Before his election to the state’s highest office, Gov. Hogan worked in the private sector as a successful Maryland businessman for more than 25 years. Never truly identifying as a career politician, Hogan took a path to his governorship in Annapolis that was initially paved and influenced by his father, Lawrence J. Hogan, Sr., who served in the U.S. Congress representing Maryland’s Fifth District.

A young Larry Hogan, Jr., learned an invaluable life lesson that continues to serve him to this day. His father was a member of the House Judiciary Committee investigating the Watergate scandal during the Nixon administration. The entire world was watching. Despite personal considerations, Congressman Hogan cast aside party politics and became the first Republican to vote for President Nixon’s impeachment, and the only Republican to vote for all three articles of impeachment. Gov. Hogan says he learned more about integrity from his father in that single moment than most people learn in a lifetime.

As a lifelong Marylander and small business owner who was fed up with sky-high taxes and politics as usual, and following his father’s example, Gov. Hogan started Change Maryland, the largest nonpartisan grassroots citizens organization in state history.

Buoyed by the grassroots efforts of Change Maryland and his decades of success leading the Hogan Companies business enterprise, in 2014, outnumbered in party registration by more than 2-1, and outspent by more than 5-1, Hogan pulled off the biggest upset in America on election night.

Once in office, Gov. Hogan quickly became an example of leadership for the nation, accomplishing what many believed was no longer possible: bipartisan, common-sense solutions.

As governor, Larry Hogan cut taxes, tolls and fees for eight years in a row, by a total of $4.7 billion, including the largest tax cuts in state history. After inheriting a $5.1-billion structural budget deficit, the governor left office with a record $5.5 billion in reserves — a more than $10-billion swing. Under his leadership, Maryland produced the greatest economic turnaround in America, moving from 49th of the 50 states in economic growth, to number six. He reduced the cost of healthcare premiums by more than 30% and made historic investments in education, transportation infrastructure and protecting the environment. And he achieved all of this while overcoming a personal battle against cancer.

After four years of economic success and bipartisan progress in the great State of Maryland, Gov. Hogan was overwhelmingly reelected to a second term in 2018, making him only the second Republican to do so in the entire history of the state.

A longstanding advocate for higher education — particularly at Morgan State and other Maryland HBCUs — Gov. Hogan exercised executive leadership and integrity in March 2021, signing into law the legislation that ended the 15-year lawsuit filed by the Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Education on behalf of Maryland’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The $577-million HBCU settlement bill (SB1) addressed the historic inequities in resource allocation and degree programming in higher education in the state, and the beneficial impact of its passage will be felt for generations to come.

A graduate of Florida State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Government, Gov. Hogan and his wife, Yumi — an artist, teacher and first-generation Korean-American — have three daughters, Julie, Jaymi and Kim. Today’s Commencement Exercises mark a welcome return by Gov. Hogan to The National Treasure, where he delivered a wellreceived keynote address for Morgan’s 2016 Honors Convocation.

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Honorary Degree Recipient GEORGE A. PRUITT, L.H.D. Doctor of Humane Letters George A. Pruitt is president emeritus and board distinguished Fellow at Thomas Edison State University.

Dr. Pruitt was appointed the institution’s third president in December 1982 and served in that position for more than 35 years. He is among the longest-serving public university presidents in the nation and was identified as one of the country’s most effective college presidents, in a study of presidential leadership funded by the Exxon Education Foundation.

Dr. Pruitt is active in the formulation of educational policy nationally and within the State of New Jersey. He has served in an advisory capacity to five U.S. secretaries of education under three U.S. presidents, who included members of the Democratic and Republican Parties. He is the recipient of six honorary degrees and numerous other awards, honors and commendations, and has consulted widely in higher education, business and government.

Dr. Pruitt is a member and past chairman of the board of directors of SEEDCO (Structured Employment Economic Development Corporation). He has served as chair of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), the New Jersey Presidents’ Council, The Union Institute & University and the MidJersey Chamber of Commerce. He has served as vice chair of the National Commission on Higher Education Attainment and past member of the board of trustees of Rider University and Bloomfield College.

Dr. Pruitt is a former member of the boards of directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the American Council on Education (ACE), the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI), the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), Choose New Jersey, Inc., Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Greater Trenton, Inc., New Jersey State Planning Commission, Mercer Medical Center, Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI), Sun National Bank, The Trenton Savings Bank and Capital City Partnership. He is a former advisor of the Kellogg National Fellowship Program, W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Before his tenure at Thomas Edison State University, Dr. Pruitt served in executive leadership positions at Illinois State University, Towson State University, Morgan State University, Tennessee State University and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning.

In 2022, Dr. Pruitt authored the memoir, “From Protest to President: A Social Justice Journey Through the Emergence of Adult Education and the Birth of Distance Learning,” which was published by Rutgers University Press.

He has an adult daughter, Shayla, and a grandson, Landon. He and his wife, Pamela, reside in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

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Order of Exercises Dr. David K. Wilson President of the University, Presiding PROCESSIONAL “Pomp and Circumstance” ...................................................................................................... Sir Edward Elgar The Morgan State University Band Dr. Jorim E. Reid, Sr., Conductor The audience is requested to stand as the academic procession moves into the arena and to remain standing until after the singing of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.”

WELCOME ............................................................................................................................ Dr. David K. Wilson, President INVOCATION...................................................................................................................... Minister Clarence A. Wayman, Methodist Chaplain, University Memorial Chapel HYMN “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”................................................. James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson Led by Jasmyne Washington, Soprano Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor GREETINGS ......................................................................................................................... The Honorable Kweisi Mfume, Chair, University Board of Regents INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER .........................................................................................Dr. David K. Wilson, President COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS .............................................................................................................. Ms. Kim Godwin, President, ABC News MUSICAL SELECTION “You’ll Never Walk Alone” .......................................................... Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II Led by Ms. Brittany Haynes, Soprano Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREES ....................................................... The Honorable Kweisi Mfume, Chair, University Board of Regents Dr. David K. Wilson, President Citation Read by Ms. Sheri Booker, Professor, School of Global Journalism and Communication Ms. Kim Godwin, Doctor of Public Service The Honorable Larry Hogan, Doctor of Public Service Dr. George A. Pruitt, Doctor of Humane Letters RECOGNITION OF SENIOR HONOR GRADUATES ......................................................................... Dr. Hongtao Yu, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude

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PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL AWARDS ......................................................................... Dr. David K. Wilson, President Dr. Hongtao Yu, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs President’s Second Mile Award President’s Award for Exceptional Creative Achievement RECOGNITION OF COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ..................................................… Lieutenant Colonel Nadia Moss, Chair, Department of Military Science PRESENTING OF DEGREES IN COURSE ............................................................................................ Dr. Hongtao Yu, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs CONFERRING OF DEGREES IN COURSE..................................................................... Dr. David K. Wilson, President GRADUATE DEGREES SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES .............................. Candidates’ Names Read by Ms. Traci D. Williams, Graduate Teaching Assistant, James H. Gilliam, Jr., College of Liberal Arts DOCTORATES ............................................................................................................... Candidates presented by Dr. Mark Garrison, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES .................................................................................................. Candidates presented by Dr. Mark Garrison, Dean UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES ................................................................................................... Candidates’ Names Read by Ms. Sheri Booker, Lecturer, School of Global Journalism and Communication, and Ms. Traci D. Williams, Graduate Teaching Assistant, James H. Gilliam, Jr., College of Liberal Arts COLLEGE OF INTERDISCIPLINARY AND CONTINUING STUDIES ................................ Candidates presented by Dr. Nicole M. Westrick, Dean JAMES H. GILLIAM, JR., COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS ........................................................ Candidates presented by Dr. M’bare N’gom, Dean SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING .................................................................. Candidates presented by Dr. Abimbola Asojo, Dean EARL G. GRAVES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT ..................................... Candidates presented by Dr. Ali Emdad, Interim Dean SCHOOL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH AND POLICY . ............................................................ Candidates presented by Dr. Kim Dobson Sydnor, Dean SCHOOL OF COMPUTER, MATHEMATICAL AND NATURAL SCIENCES ...................... Candidates presented by Dr. Paul B. Tchounwou, Dean SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND URBAN STUDIES .............................................................. Candidates presented by Dr. Glenda Prime, Dean CLARENCE M. MITCHELL, JR., SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING ............................................ Candidates presented by Dr. Oscar Barton, Dean SCHOOL OF GLOBAL JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION ....................................... Candidates presented by Prof. Jacqueline Jones, Dean SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK ..................................................................................................... Candidates presented by Dr. Anna McPhatter, Dean

AWARDING OF DIPLOMAS ............................................................................................... By College/Schools (as above) SALUTE TO THE GRADUATES ........................................................................................................... Mr. Godley Pierre, President of the Senior Class

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INDUCTION INTO THE MSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION............................................ Lt. Col. (Ret.) Michael L. Bell, President, MSU Alumni Association THE ALMA MATER ................................................................................................ Led by Ms. Jasmyne Washington, Soprano BENEDICTION .................................................................................................................... Minister Clarence A. Wayman, Methodist Chaplain, University Memorial Chapel RECESSIONAL “Pomp and Circumstance” ....................................................................................................... Sir Edward Elgar The Morgan State University Band Dr. Jorim E. Reid, Sr., Conductor

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Candidates for Degrees Doctoral Degrees School of Graduate Studies Doctor of Philosophy Degrees Hamad Al-Ghadeed .................................................................................................................................................................. History Dissertation: “A History of Qatar Security Forces, 1949–1971” Advisor: Dr. Lawrence Peskin Thekreyt Alseef ........................................................................................................................................................ Higher Education Dissertation: “Experiences of Graduate Saudi Students with Mental Health Challenges in the United States” Advisor: Dr. Benjamin Welsh Thea Celestine ......................................................................................................................................................... Higher Education B.A., Loyola University New Orleans, 2014 M.S.W., Howard University, 2016 Dissertation: “Trauma and Triumph: Exploring the Professional Identity Construction of African American Female College Presidents in Higher Education” Advisor: Dr. Sean Robinson Patrick Crawford .............................................................................................................................................................. Social Work B.S.W., Salisbury University, 1998 M.S.W., Delaware State University, 1999 Dissertation: “An Exploration of Mental Health Utilization among Black Men: Barriers, Attitudes, and Facilitation” Advisor: Dr. Rhonda Wells-Wilbon Jyotsna Das ................................................................................................................................................. Bioenvironmental Science B.S., Gauhati University, 1998 M.S., Gauhati University, 2000 Dissertation: “Electromagnetic Interference Shield” Advisor: Dr. Dereje Seifu Janine Jackson ................................................................................................................................................................Psychometrics B.A., Florida Atlantic University, 2001 M.Ed., Florida Atlantic University, 2004 Dissertation: “Measurement and Modeling: A Multidimensional Examination of Sociocultural Factors as Determinants for Perceptions of Risk of Victimization in Metropolitan Settings” Advisor: Dr. Duvon Winborne

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Yvette Jackson .................................................................................................................................................................Psychometrics B.S., University of Maryland Baltimore County M.A.Ed., University of Maryland Baltimore County Dissertation: “Examining Rating Quality in Rater-Mediated Activities for Standard-Item Alignment Research” Advisor: Dr. Damon Bryant Eric Lee ............................................................................................................................................................................. Social Work B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 1980 M.A., Azusa Pacific University, 1993 M.Div., Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary, 2010 Dissertation: “Impact of Gentrification-Induced Displacement on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Indigenous African American Residents” Advisor: Dr. Rhonda Wells-Wilbon Christopher Maith, Sr. ..................................................................................................................................................... Social Work B.S.W., Morgan State University, 2006 M.S.W., Morgan State University, 2007 Dissertation: “A Study of Social Workers' Self-Perceptions of Their Cultural Competence in Providing Community-based Services to Black Populations in Urban Communities” Advisor: Dr. Rhonda Wells-Wilbon David Miller...................................................................................................................................................................... Social Work B.A., University of Baltimore, 1992 M.Ed., Goucher College, 1997 Dissertation: “Daddy and Me: Understanding the Social and Emotional Connections Between Nonresidential Black Fathers and Their Daughters” Advisor: Dr. Rhonda Wells-Wilbon Keyshawn Moncrieffe .............................................................................................................................................. Higher Education B.A., Intercontinental University M.B.A., Morgan State University, 2009 Dissertation: “Acceptance, Growth & Development: HBCU Faculty Experiences in Emergency Remote Teaching During the Covid-19 Pandemic” Advisor: Dr. Benjamin Welsh

Doctor of Education Degrees Bernice Brezina ................................................................................................................................. Community College Leadership B.S.M.E., University of Maryland, College Park, 1987 M.S., University of Maryland Global Campus, 2001 Dissertation: “Exploring the Relationship Between Co-Curricular Participation and Student Engagement for Women in Community College Engineering Programs” Advisor: Dr. Robin Spaid Chinwe Ihuoma................................................................................................................................ Community College Leadership B.S., University of Lagos, 2010 M.S., Morgan State University, 2017 Dissertation: “Exploring the Experiences of African International Students on Institutional Support Services in a Mid-Atlantic Community College” Advisor: Dr. Krishna Bista Jazmine Rhone ................................................................................................................................... Urban Educational Leadership B.S., Temple University, 2010 M.S., Ashford University, 2013 Dissertation: “Social-Emotional Learning Competencies and Academic Performance Among High-Achieving African American Middle Students: An Exploratory and Explanatory Case Study” Advisors: Drs. Dia Sekayi and Omari Jackson

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Lesley Shotts ..................................................................................................................................... Community College Leadership B.B.A., Mississippi State University, 2003 M.L.I.S., The University of Alabama, 2004 Dissertation: “Investigation of Data Literacy Skills in a Two-Year College System in Relation to Leadership” Advisor: Dr. Carolyn Anderson

Doctor of Engineering Degrees Jalil Abdul .......................................................................................................................................................................... Engineering B.S., Morgan State University, 2015 M.S., Morgan State University, 2020 Dissertation: “Assessing Urbanization Impacts and Mitigation Strategies for Herring Run Stream Basin and Its Tributaries” Advisor: Dr. Dong Kang Oludayo Alamu ................................................................................................................................................................. Engineering B.Tech, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, 2014 M.Eng., Morgan State University, 2020 Dissertation: “Exergy Analysis and Environmental Assessment of Thermal Processing of Solid Wastes to Energy” Advisor: Dr. Seong Lee Edward Brown ................................................................................................................................................................... Engineering B.S., Morgan State University, 2018 Dissertation: “Water Quality Performance in Best Management Practices Utilizing Simulation Modeling and Machine Learning” Advisor: Dr. Dong Kang Ida Mougang Epse Ntonifor.............................................................................................................................................. Engineering B.S., University of Yaoundé, 2009 M.S., University of Dschang, 2014 Dissertation: “Evaluating the Role of Soil Physicochemical and Biological Properties in Influencing Bioretention Performance in Urban Environments” Advisor: Dr. James Hunter Ismail Idowu ...................................................................................................................................................................... Engineering B.S., The Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, 2004 M.S., Morgan State University, 2018 Dissertation: “Non-Transient Anomalies Detection (NTAD) Architecture for Security and Fire Life Safety Inspection” Advisor: Dr. Kofi Nyarko Behnaz Safavi ..................................................................................................................................................................... Engineering B.S., Tabriz Azad University, 2012 M.S., Izmir University, 2014 Dissertation: “Evaluation of Highway Stormwater BMPs and Environmental Site Design Criteria of Maryland’s State Highway Administration Dissertation and Feasibility Study” Advisor: Dr. James Hunter

Doctor of Public Health Degrees Rifath Ara Alam Barsha ................................................................................................................................................. Public Health M.B.B.S., University of Dhaka, 2012 M.P.H., Morgan State University, 2019 Dissertation: “Unequal Association between Socioeconomic Status and Tobacco Outcomes: Minorities’ Diminished Return in Baltimore” Advisor: Dr. Payam Sheikhattari

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Chancia Mouketou......................................................................................................................................................... Public Health B.S., Elizabeth City State University, 2014 M.P.H., The George Washington University, 2017 Dissertation: “Exploring the Relationship between Electronic Health Literacy and Covid-19 Preventive Health Beliefs on Vaccination Intent” Advisor: Dr. Mian Hossain Atia Sharmeen ................................................................................................................................................................ Public Health M.B.B.S., University of Chittagong, 2014 M.P.H., Morgan State University, 2019 Dissertation: “Cancer Survivors in the United States: A Quantitative Study Examining the Relationships of Cancer Survivorship, Race, and Employment among Working-Age Populations” Advisor: Dr. Ian Lindong

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Master’s Degrees School of Graduate Studies Master of Architecture Degrees

Josiah Julian ..................................................................... Teaching Roshna Khanal ........................................................... Architecture B.S., Towson University, 2018 B.S., Acme Engineering College, 2014 Aliyah Nowlin....................................... .......................... Teaching Delroy Miller, Jr. ......................................................... Architecture B.A., Morgan State University, 2020 B.S., Morgan State University, 1985 Master of Business Administration Degrees M.A., University of Virgin Islands, 1997 Joyce Achaw ............................................ Business Administration B.S., University of Winneba, Kumasi Campus, 2017

Master of Arts Degrees Arphelia Cabell ................................................................... English B.A., Morgan State University, 2016 Thesis: “The Adult World Simply Walked By: Representational Strategies of Black Girlhood in Rosa Guy's Trilogy: The Friends, Ruby, and Edith Jackson” Advisor: Dr. Mary Henderson

Ebisindor Awala ..................................... Business Administration B.S., Niger Delta University, 2014 M.S., Coventry University, 2020

Stella Ayika ............................................. Business Administration B.Tech, Federal University of Technology, 1989 Janel Harris ........................................................ Higher Education M.S., Lead City University, 2016 B.A., Coppin State University, 2019 Ashley Britt ............................................. Business Administration Genesis Hoyt ........... Museum Studies and Historical Preservation B.S., Medgar Evers College, 2018 Thesis: “More than Wanting Their Stuff Back: The Native American TreyLonte Gaither .................................. Business Administration Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and Its Effect on Museums” B.A., Bucknell University, 2021 Advisor: Dr. David Terry Kimari Jackson ........ Museum Studies and Historical Preservation Oluwasheyi Iroko ................................... Business Administration B.S., Towson University, 2020 B.A., University of Central Florida, 2019 Ravyn Johnson .............................................................. Journalism Fatima Ishola-Lemomu ........................... Business Administration B.S., University of Lagos, 2016 B.A., Averett University, 2020 John Jones ............................................................................. Music Morgan Jemison ..................................... Business Administration B.S., Morgan State University, 2022 James Morgan III .................................. African American Studies Josephus Ketter ....................................... Business Administration B.A., Howard University, 2011 B.S., Cuttington University, 2011 Thesis: “Reconstructing the Temple of Liberty: Prince Hall Freemasonry and Post-Civil War Politics” Omotolani Lawal .................................... Business Administration Advisor: Dr. David Terry B.S., Lead City University Muswe Mundemba .................................................... Mathematics Narom Louis ........................................... Business Administration B.S., University of Baltimore, 1993 B.S., Florida State University, 2009

Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees

Erick Moore ............................................ Business Administration Rykendra Brunson ........................................................... Teaching B.S., Bowie State University, 2019 B.A., University of Baltimore, 2017 Tambari Nuka ........................................ Business Administration M.S., University of Baltimore, 2022 Derek Chavis.................................................................... Teaching LL.B., MountCrest University College, 2016 BL., Nigerian Law School, 2019 B.S., University of Baltimore, 2013 B.A., University of Baltimore, 2021

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Joseph Oluyemi ....................................... Business Administration Avery McFadden ........... Community College Administration and B.S., University of Wisconsin, 2005 Instruction M.Arch, University of Wisconsin, 2010 M.A., Brooklyn College, 2005 B.A., Jackson State University, 2002 Sade Parker ............................................. Business Administration B.S., Morgan State University, 2017 Master of Engineering Degrees Nia Reid .................................................. Business Administration Olajide Aderomilehin .................................................Engineering B.S., Tuskegee University, 2022 B.S., Towson University, 2019 Parrish Rich ............................................ Business Administration Yibi Ulrich Bakouane ..................................................Engineering B.S., Coppin State University, 2018 B.S., Morgan State University, 2021 Donovan Riley ........................................ Business Administration Aigner Chavis-Turner ..................................................Engineering B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2015 B.S., Morgan State University, 2020 Iyanuoluwa Sofowora.............................. Business Administration Hudson Defoe ............................................................. Engineering B.S., Obafemi Awolowo University, 2016 Oluwaferanmi Olulana ...............................................Engineering Carlos Thompson ................................... Business Administration B.S., Morgan State University, 2020 B.A., Strayer University, 2007 Darius Smith ............................................................... Engineering Maximillian Thrower .............................. Business Administration B.A., Northern Illinois University, 2020 Master of Public Health Degrees

Master of City and Regional Planning Degrees

Naimat Ajilore .......................................................... Public Health B.S., Morgan State University, 2019

Sabrina Bland..................................... City and Regional Planning B.A., Dillard University, 2011 Mandu Akpan........................................................... Public Health B.S., University of Calabar, 2007 Gregory Friedman .............................. City and Regional Planning B.A., Earlham College, 2012 Joseph Grant III........................................................ Public Health D.D.S., Howard University, 2011 Morgan Gillard .................................. City and Regional Planning B.S., Paul Quinn College, 2005 Ethan McLeod ................................... City and Regional Planning Ngozi Ibewuike ......................................................... Public Health B.A., American University, 2013 M.B.A., Morgan State University, 1988 Micah Modesto .................................. City and Regional Planning Marlyse Kotcho ......................................................... Public Health B.A., Houghton University, 2020 B.S., La Salle University, 2022 Lucas Rogers ...................................... City and Regional Planning Jaycees Parajuli .......................................................... Public Health B.A., Vassar College, 2005 B.S., Towson University, 2018 Justin Walker ..............................

B.S., Towson University, 2020

City and Regional Planning Kobe-Jordan Rhooms ............................................... Public Health B.S., Morgan State University, 2021

Master of Education Degrees

Amber Smiley ........................................................... Public Health B.S., Albright College, 2019

Timothy Banks ..............Community College Administration and Instruction Tahsin Tabassum ...................................................... Public Health M.B.B.S., Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, 2011 Donja Hamlin-Houston ....... Community College Administration and Instruction Natasha Whitmore ................................................... Public Health B.S., Morgan State University, 2020 B.S., Morgan State University, 2020

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Tafauria Williams .....................................................Public Health Frank Efe ......................................................... Integrated Sciences B.S., South Carolina State University, 2014 B.S., Ekiti State University, 2014 M.S., Obafemi Awolowo University, 2018 Quentin Willis ..........................................................Public Health Thesis: “Growth and Characterization of Iron Platinum Thin Films B.S., Southern New Hampshire University, 2021 Grown by Magnetron Sputtering” Advisor: Dr. Abdellah Lisfi

Master of Science Degrees

Akpabio Ekpewoh ............................... Secure Embedded Systems Blessing Adeika ........................................... Advanced Computing B.S., Morgan State University, 2019 B.S., University of Ilorin, 2018 William Holmberg.............................. Construction Management Thesis: “An Integrated Infectious Disease Prediction Approach Based B.S., Morgan State University, 2022 on Ensemble of Transformer Models” Advisor: Dr. Mahmudur Rahman Akinbami John-Paul ............................................... Bioinformatics Opeyemi Adeniran ..................................... Advanced Computing B.S., Morgan State University, 2020 B.Tech, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, 2015 Thesis: “Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease Using an Ensemble of Sallah Kadiri ................................................................ Accounting B.S., Federal University Wukari, 2019 Diverse Convolutional Neural Networks and Vision Transformer” Advisor: Dr. Mahmudur Rahman Alemayehu Kassa ........................................ Advanced Computing Joseph Aina ................................................. Advanced Computing B.S., Adama Science and Technology University, 2009 M.S., HiLCoE School of Computer and Information B.S., University of Ilorin, 2019 Technology, 2018 Thesis: “Mental Disorder Detection System through Emotion Recognition” Harsimrat Kaur ................................................ Integrated Sciences Advisor: Dr. Mahmudur Rahman B.Tech, Punjab Technical University, 2014 Abiola Ajala................................................. Advanced Computing M. Tech, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, 2019 Thesis: “Spin Injection in Ferromagnet-Topological Insulator B.S., Computer Science National Open University of Nigeria Heterostructures” Oluwatunmise Akinniyi.............................. Advanced Computing Advisor: Dr. Ramesh Budhani B.S., Federal University of Technology Akure, 2018 Shanterika Maury .......................................... Project Management Thesis: “Multi-Stage Classification of Retinal Optical Coherence B.A., Michigan State University, 2008 Tomography (OCT) Images Using Multi-Scale Ensemble Deep Architecture” Alicia Merson ...................................... Education Administration Advisor: Dr. Mahmudur Rahman Reham Alrayes ........................................ Hospitality Management Tiara Parham ....................................... Education Administration B.S., Morgan State University, 2013 B.S., Taibah University, 2016 Tsegaye Arficho ....................................................... Bioinformatics B.S., University of Maryland, 2019 M.S., Addis Ababa University, 2013 Thesis: “Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning in the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer” Advisor: Dr. Roshan Paudel

Kesari Petroff ....................................... Education Administration

Ahamed Raihan............................................... Integrated Sciences B.S., Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, 2009 M.S., Jahangirnagar University, 2016 Thesis: “Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of WSe2 Thin Films Synthesized by Magnetron Sputtering” Rukayat Ariori......................................................... Bioinformatics Advisor: Dr. Dereje Seifu B.S., Morgan State University, 2019 Abdul Rashid Rashidi ........................ Construction Management Genevieve Bauroth .............................. Education Administration B.S., Kabul University, 2002 B.S., Towson University, 2019 Ankita Rijal................................................. Advanced Computing Shelaniece Clash .................................. Secure Embedded Systems B.S., Malla Reddy College of Engineering and Technology, 2017 B.S., Morgan State University, 2020

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Pranish Shrestha .............................................. Integrated Sciences Jerr’l Ellis .................................................................... Social Work Thesis: “Exciton Dynamics in Monolayer Tungsten Diselenide” B.S., Morgan State University, 2015 Advisor: Dr. Birol Ozturk Roseline Lawal ............................................................ Social Work Trent Washington ...................................... Electrical Engineering B.S.W., Morgan State University, 2022 Lacey Williams ..................................... Education Administration Daniel Okojie ............................................................. Social Work B.A., Johns Hopkins University, 2010 B.S.W., Coppin State University, 2021 M.A.T., Johns Hopkins University, 2012 Tavril Prout................................................................. Social Work Andrew Worthington .......................... Education Administration Breion Riddick ........................................................... Social Work Mattlyn Young ................................................. Integrated Sciences B.A., Salisbury University, 2016 Thesis: “The Differential Proteomic Characterization Underlying the Neurobiology of PTSD in the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex” Anita Yawson.............................................................. Social Work Advisor: Dr. Christine Hohmann D.Eng., Morgan State University, 2021

Master of Social Work Degrees Adebambo Adeyiga ..................................................... Social Work Olumuyiwa Akinbola .................................................. Social Work B.S., Lagos State University, 1999 M.S., University of Lagos, 2015 Tejah Branch............................................................... Social Work B.S., Morgan State University, 2021

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Candidates for Degrees Bachelor’s Degrees College of Interdisciplinary & Continuing Studies B.S., Interdisciplinary Educational Studies

B.S., Interdisciplinary Global Perspectives and Practices

B.S., Interdisciplinary Organizational Administration

Kamryn N. Bailey Mary Mattison

Marilyn Ann Russell

Susan Maria Frazier Kari Long

B.S., Interdisciplinary Engineering, Information, and Computational Sciences

B.S., Interdisciplinary Health and Human Sciences Laurrae Patria Fogo Shuntina Hearn-Ehirim

B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies in Societal Equity, and Urbanism Erica Smith-Deloatch

Christine Ann Richardson

The James H. Gilliam, Jr., College of Liberal Arts B.S., Applied Liberal Studies Soummaih Zahraa Salwa Alqhazaly Hydara Sam Alsheimer Sydney Brianna Beatty Ta’Von Benjamin Andre S. Benson Makayla Boyce Alexis D. Bridges Eric Orlando Brooks, Jr. Dazsha K. Brown Hope Olivia Brown Jason A. Brown Tyneissa A. Brown Kaylah Nicole Burnett Erminie Cajou Lancoyia Janina Cook-Taylor Eunice David Adesua Gilbert Dent Caleb Jeremiah Drummer Tyasha Ford Aveena Fulton

Trinity Ashleigh Gibson Vincent Michael Grey Surafel Bedilu Hailu Shadawn R. Harris Janee Harvey Justin Hunt Jabriel Leon Johnson Rianna Rochelle Johnson Rayanna Keira Destiny Jones Shardae Latoya Jones Jirina Mildred Leola Jordan Anthony Chima Madu II Leanne Denise Mason Payton Mitchell, Sr. Oseghale O. Okojie Michaela Ziporah Oliver Jamia Antonette Pettus Nigee Pratt Jovona Ardriana Price John M. Purvis Jasmine Reneé Rowley Mailinh J. Saafir

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Rikelvin Santiago Espinal Amir Hakim Scott Perri A. Smith Victoria Sneed Shanyce J. Thomas Camille Elizabeth Thompson Joshua X. Tuck Deja Monay Twyman Renise Aaliyah Waples Alyssa J. Wright

B.A., Economics Myles Addison Johnson-Crawley

B.A., English Dorian A. Cooper Deontae Towah

B.A., Fine Art Keenan James Alexander Theodore C. Ejimofor, Jr. Isaiah Q. Gray

Quentin Maurice Green James Damon Reed II Jordan Nicole Wallace

Sydney Rene Smith Ja’Noy Kyree-Blake Sumner Breyana Maria Thomas DeRaveniere Joi Brianna Turner

B.A., History

B.F.A., Screenwriting and Animation

B.S., Psychology

Camille James Tyrek Dijon Russell Joshua G. Thaniel

Willie Baker Kennedy Lynne Bates Alycia Burnham Charlese Korren Carter Paige Chasity Fletcher Yasmine Aylssa George Taniya Henderson Latesha Sade Jackson Mackenzie Yvonne Jefferson Jaia Renee Lloyd Dylan Healey Manning Sunshine Armani Mccrae Iyona Amari McFadden Arianna Renae Mitchell Valerie Cherelle Mitchell Shetia M. Ogle Jada Nyree Payne Alana Destiny Powell Shenaia Maurelle Ramsey Daisha Dayanna Reddick Charlé C. Robinson Venice Alecia Samuels Kaila Elise Shepherd

B.A., Music Brittany K. Haynes Quamir Payton Jasmyne Brianna Washington

B.A., Philosophy Kailyn Adrienne Smith

B.A., Political Science Ahmed Almaari Kyla Renee Cunningham Aaliyah M. Forrest Alicia Alexandria Frazer India Johnasia Howard Kirsten Lewis Asma Mohamed Cynthia Faith Olds Dwight Patterson Liam Pietrowski Niyyah Shadae Small-Graham

James R. Turner Desiree N. Veney K’La A. Whitmore Amir Arie Adams Tahir Juba Jasmine L. Simms

B.A., Sociology Margaret Suh-Kippie Ade Asia M. Butler Nile S. Campbell Tayah Rae Coffey Alimah Jamilah Dakins Neaya N. DeGroat-Cousar Michael Allen Dennis Makayla L. Florence Jaziah M. Moore Jennifer Nakato Mugerwa Edjanni Y. Njie-Mokonya Gabrielle Powell Robyn Sky Simmons Dejahnae T. Smith Alexander Leopold Symonette

The School of Architecture and Planning B.S., Architecture and Environmental Design Ademola Ayotunde Akinwale Travis S. Davis I Thadius L. Hodges Adedamola Oluwaseyi Ogunkola

Ibrahim M. Pride Van B. Thang Apellonia Terry Ann Williams

B.S., Construction Management Vincent T. Allen

Jonathan Beltre Anyea Janee Carter Isaiah Edmond Shakierah Freemantle Michael Powell, Jr. Joshua E. Wilson

The Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management B.S., Accounting Nia Lynn Adams Dima Amaya Treyvon LaMarr Branch Kyoko D. Coren-Hawkins Deiygerhria Floyd Great Ifeanyi Iwugo Jenai Jiles Shiru E. Kimani Murielle Audrey Tchamako Tankwa

Kiyanna Naomi Turner Claudia Patricia Utria Alvarez

B.S., Business Administration Michael O. Adebayo Samuel R. Alborta Hawazin Alsubhi Jazmine Chanel Arrington Justin Javon Battle Sydnee Aminah Broome

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Myah Rhyana DeRoche Mesai Sherrod Fulmore Kinoni Ayanna Galloway Russell Gantt, Jr. Danielle Gray Thomnia M. Guthrie Faith A. Johnson De’Janique Jones Alexis Tenerra Lawrence Elijah Vincent McFarlane

Chamera Tyjae Flora Mullins Nia Yvette Parks Elsie Peprah Charles Lynwood Proctor Burnell Wallace Pulley III Erin Simone Raysor Tatiana O. Reid Brandi E. Scott Deontay Donnell Scott Mitchell Robert Shelton Darryn Smith Kristen Michelle Sweets Nicholas Allan Taylor Hasibah Q. Walker Roderick James Walker II

B.S., Entrepreneurship Tiffany T. Austin Gledys Melissa Vasquez Ferrufino

B.S., Finance Evan C. Benberry Montez Maurice Berry Willie C. Cole Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ibeh Wanjiru Njenga Taonna Monay Marie Saunders Joshua Matthew Stevens

B.S., Hospitality Management Bella Akinyi Omolo Dante Evan Taylor II

B.S., Information Systems Oluwatobi Adedeji Ayodeji O. Akingbesote Myles Austin Anuoluwapo A. Boluwaji I Ahmad Samba Conteh Jimaima O. Ebringa Leslie Kwame Ofori Enchill Opeyemi Precious Fadoju Kyle T. Farrar Jaden Miles Williams Gary Teia Laney Harrington Jermaine Marcus Henderson Jocelyne Erika Tchamo Jato Javate A. Joseph Lekyia Lashea Kitt Zoe E. Moses Abongnwi L. Neba Cyril N. Njoya Faith Nwagugo Michael Okwesili Andrew Robinson IV

Aliyah S. Blackmon Emani Denise Layne Nath Adji Awa Mbaye Kendall Elani Nia McCollough Haven D. Moore Taj Antonio Pittman Chase H. Powell Avery J. Saint Pierre Naisha Selemani Asia Nicole Thomas Moriah I. Walden Amya Watts

B.S., Services and Supply Chain Management Emani A. Byrd Christopher Eric Minor Martial Tedonka Noutsa

B.S., Management Kayla N. Golson Veronica Kelly Griswold Lael Sade Ledbetter Timothy L. Webster

B.S., Marketing Mariana Addo Myles Austin

The School of Community Health and Policy B.S., Health Education Sloane D. Cureton Mariah Noel Gillis Breona Tyshia Hayes Claire Elizabeth McArthur Angel Dominique Mitchell

B.S., Nursing Marissa Sianae Camara

Kareen D. Clark-Howard Nathan Fridman Diamond Shante Granberry James Kamara Annie Serene Ese Lowery Jacqueline Babirye Mugerwa Perriana Elosie O’Hannon Godsglory G. Opadeji Ayana Kaliyah Rosebrough-Parks

B.S., Nutritional Sciences Natasha Myeka Few Camerra Hines Dana S. Johns Shahad Shehabuldein Khanalhendi Amaya Marshelle Scott

The School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences B.S., Actuarial Science

B.S., Biology

Joan M. Varisli

Adekola Gboyega Adebayo Adeoye Stephen Adebayo

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Kya D. Bacon Kayson S. Barclay Morgan Dianne Blackwell

Nabeel Claude Bou-Abboud Erin Kennedi Bynum Brooklyne S. Chaney Shadiamon Alaijah-Antanae Dale Abena Antwiwaa Darkwah Gabrielle Allysia London Deal Jalissa D. Emmens Markahya B. Evans Sierra M. Farrar Jessica Francois Jahnya Annette Goldsmith Brandon Hatley I Gabriela Grisel Hiciano Kanijaa Zahiyaa Hickson Tashai Houston-Smith Serenity Altea Jackson Destinee Manning TaNijah I. Neal-Davis Chihurumanya Pc Obichere Deborah Precious Oluwadare Victoria Eseoghene Omoniyodo Ravyn A. Page Ashaan K. Price Symani Simone Roper Eniola Abiodun Shofolawe-Bakare Midori Kyna Smith

Humaira Nahar Tamanna Erykah Danielle Tolbert Randi Nichole Vereen Heaven Washington Taylor C. Watkins Neomi A. White

B.S., Chemistry

Gloria Mugure Canssidle Wairimu Ndung'u Teqwon D. Norman Darrius Rudolph Outlaw Bikesh Regmi Keany Rodriguez Isaiah Henry Scott Calvin M. Venable, Jr.

Trinity Rhaine Bolton Indira Jackson

B.S., Mathematics Kaelah Yazmin Bryant

B.S. Cloud Computing Alliayah Mykela Ottley

B.S., Medical Laboratory Science Anju Shrestha

B.S., Computer Science Abisola Mercy Arowolaju Carson Leroi Brown Kenneth F. Burwell-Tibbs Deion Maurice Carter Blake J. Eller Bahbit Nuyit Gareth Sydney Marie Haynes Monteray Melva Jackson Fiyinfoluwa Ayodeji Jesutimi Jordan Johnson Ra’Mel A. Manley, Jr.

The School of Education and Urban Studies B.S., Elementary Education Amira Begum Kahron Connor Nicole Dianne Daley Tyler Lashone Ferguson D’vanya J. Hammond Fabien S. Hankers Jordan Taylor Hightower Jarrett L. Kenlaw Yakira M. LaBorde Kiah Andrea Larkins

Jordan Aniyah Manning Janece Nelson Jamiah E. Pilgrim Gabrielle Alma Thompson

B.S., Family and Consumer Sciences Diamonae J. Boyce Adrianne Cornish Khyri Rashad Gambrill Justin Tyler William Gibbs Sharita Nicole Johnson

Monaye M. Rikard Alexis Ciara Sherard Brandon Jaamaal Walker

B.S., Physical Education Richard Charles Archey Marvin Atuatasi Dasia Savonne Jolley-Dillard

The Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., School of Engineering B.S., Civil Engineering Abdullah A. Alajmi Safal Basnet Lamar R. Henderson Andrew Shawn Lemon Quenterrius Vontez Mason Emile Alfred Palmer David Dyese Pembamoto

Martez Eugene Weems

B.S., Electrical Engineering Bassel Alotaibi Michael R. Anthony Amenta Bell-Richardson Tiesha Tahirah Dandridge Wilbert Benjamin Fofe Davis

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Roderick Lydell Eubanks, Jr. Tyrome A. Fowlkes II Deja C. Garnett Devaughn L. Jackson Olutobi Kadiri Adam Martin Diani Kamaria Maxwell Eric Murray, Jr.

Omer J. Olloumou Chaz R. Padilla Sewavi Prince-Agbodjan James Edward Pringle Rodney O. Stringer, Jr. Rilwan Olamide Taoheed Robel Yacob

B.S., Industrial Engineering Hussain Alqallaf Roshane Robert Miller

B.S., Transportation Systems Engineering Nathan Owhonda

B.S., Transportation Systems Temitope Monday Adedara Khari Akinyele Karade

The School of Global Journalism and Communication B.S., Multimedia Journalism

B.S., Multi-Platform Production

B.S., Strategic Communication

Rebecca Anneliese Beavers Sierra N. Burnett Ashley J. Clarke Sydni Reana Demby Jordan M. Dorsey Guycilia Louis-Charles Lake Marion Isaiah McLin Peyton Tralise Miller Blake Simone Showes John Jalen Stokes

Reginald L. Allen II Shyne Lamontae Boggs Diamond Lionae Booth Brehonna L. Brehon Schealthiel Dassy Ronica Edwards Nicholas Anthony Fountain-Sykes RaeChelle Symone James I Tawanda Gerald Makoni Gabrielle N. Timpson

Kenya Elise Capehart Cameron J. Kelly Ariana G. Price

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The President’s Second Mile Award The President’s Second Mile Award was established in 1953 by Dr. Martin D. Jenkins, President of what was then Morgan State College, and the tradition has been continued to encourage and give recognition to outstanding leadership and participation in student affairs. It is intended that this award will go to that member of the graduating class who has made the most outstanding contribution to the campus community during his or her undergraduate days.

“Going the Second Mile” means doing more in any given task or activity than can reasonably be expected. It is hoped that "Going the Second Mile" will be characteristic of every Morgan State University student and graduate and that it will become one of the firmly established traditions of the university community. The winner of the Second Mile Award is selected by a committee consisting of the president of the Junior Class and Junior Class representatives in the Student Government. Organizations and individuals are invited to submit nominations for the award. Nominations are supported by a description of the individual’s achievement.

For the full list of past awardees, please visit the following web page: https://commencement.morgan.edu/awards.

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The President’s Award for Exceptional Creative Achievement The President’s Award for Exceptional Creative Achievement was established in 1953 by Dr. Martin D. Jenkins, President of what was then Morgan State College, and the tradition has been continued to encourage and give recognition to the expression of worthwhile original ideas among the students of the university. It is intended that this award will go to that member of the graduating class who has made an exceptional contribution of a creative nature.

One of the most important functions of an institution of higher education is to stimulate the development of original ideas.

Although major contributions are hardly to be expected, certainly the techniques of creative thought and the habit of expressing original ideas should be developed during the undergraduate days. The budding techniques and habits so developed, it is hoped, will come to fruition in post-university years.

The Award for Exceptional Creative Achievement may go to a student who makes a creative contribution in any field or area. The winner of the President’s Award for Exceptional Creative Achievement is selected by a faculty committee. Departments and individual faculty members are invited to submit nominations for the award through the appropriate department chair.

Nominations are supported by adequate description of the nominee’s achievement.

For the full list of past awardees, please visit the following web page: https://commencement.morgan.edu/awards.

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Latin Honors Graduates These students will be recognized at Commencement. Summa Cum Laude graduates will wear the gold Honors Stole.

Magna Cum Laude graduates will wear the silver Honors Stole. Cum Laude graduates will wear the bronze Honors Stole.

Clara I. Adams Honors College Graduates These students will wear the blue Clara I. Adams Honors College Stole.

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Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Commissions The following students were commissioned into the United States Army as 2nd Lieutenants:

Name

Branch

Rasir Ahmed ...................................................................................................... Maryland National Guard Ademola Akinwale ............................................................................................ Maryland National Guard Anyea Carter ...................................................................................................... United States Army Reserve Kareen Clark-Howard ........................................................................................ United States Army (Active Duty) Jahnya Goldsmith .............................................................................................. New Jersey National Guard Danielle Gray ..................................................................................................... United States Army (Active Duty) TaNijah Neal-Davis............................................................................................ United States Army Reserve Michaela Oliver ................................................................................................. United States Army (Active Duty) Joshua Thaniel ................................................................................................... United States Army (Active Duty)

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Announcer Ms. Sheri Booker ...................................................................... Lecturer, School of Global Journalism and Communication

Degree Candidate Reader Ms. Traci D. Williams ...................................... Graduate Teaching Assistant, James H. Gilliam, Jr., College of Liberal Arts

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NOTES ON THE SILVER ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF

THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND THE SCHOOL OF COMPUTER MATHEMATICAL AND NATURAL SCIENCES

In 1975, its first year as a university, Morgan established six units in the Division of Academic Affairs: College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School, School of Business and Management, School of Education, School of Urban Studies and Human Development, and Center for Continuing Education, each headed by a dean. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) was the largest of the units, with 13 departments, WEAA-FM Radio Station and the James E. Lewis Museum of Art. It was also the academic centerpiece of the University because it offered most of the General Education courses required of undergraduate students in disciplines in arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, biological and physical sciences and mathematics.

in those areas. Given the opportunities for growth in degree programs and the shifting focus to STEM disciplines, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences proposed to the vice president for Academic Affairs and the president that the College of Arts and Science be split into two separate schools, one containing the departments and programs in the natural sciences and mathematics and a proposed new program and department in Computer Science, and the other containing the arts and humanities, the social and behavioral sciences and military science. On July 1, 1998, the division of CAS was implemented, resulting in the creation of the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) and the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (SCMNS). Dr. Burney J. Hollis, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was named dean of the College of Liberal Arts, and Dr. T. Joan Robinson, chair of the Department of Biology, was named dean of the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences.

Between 1975 and 1998, the College of Arts and Sciences grew from 13 departments to 16 departments, WEAA-FM Radio Station and the Office of Museums (now with two museums), with responsibility for administering and monitoring the General Education Program. This growth resulted from new degree programs and the need to develop even more new degree programs in response to expanding student career interests, and there was an accompanying need to establish new academic departments to administer them. Part of the growth resulted, also, from the nation’s growing interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and the attendant need for the University to position itself to take advantage of burgeoning funding and grant opportunities

Since that time, those two academic units, although administered separately, have functioned in close unison with one another and demonstrated that, although “separated then,” they are “united now and forever” in purpose, progress and promise. The development and achievements of these two schools, over the last quarter-century since their founding, have been outstanding, thanks to the contributions that academic leaders, faculty, students and alumni have made to their remarkable journey.

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NOTES ON THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF CONTINUING EDUCATION became the founding mother of Continuing Education at Morgan, when, after 15 years of teaching English and mathematics and counseling on test-taking, she accepted an appointment as director of the Evening Summer Session. Warner Williams, who was later decorated with the Doctor of Pedagogy Degree by the University of Maine in 1972, elevated continuing studies to a new level of importance at Morgan, expanding the program to include opportunities for professional development for communities never tapped by the College before.

In 1971, Warner Williams was named the first woman academic dean in the history of Morgan, expanded the joint concepts of continuing education and community outreach and introduced new educational alternatives designed to serve a nontraditional college cohort — alternatives such as Upward Mobility College, the Center for Educational Development for the Social Security Administration, the Upward Bound Project and College II. In the two decades that preceded her retirement, in 1981, as dean of the Center for Continuing Education at Morgan State University, Warner Williams left so indelible a stamp on Morgan’s continuing education program that the University named her dean emeritus in 1986 and bestowed upon her, in 1995, the Morgan Heritage Award, proclaiming her one of the most significant educators in the history of the institution.

In 1948, Dr. Beryl Warner Williams joined the faculty of Morgan State College as a part-time instructor of English, bringing with her impressive educational credentials from the University of Maine, where, in 1935, she was the first African American to earn the bachelor’s degree with Honors in Mathematics and Statistics, with a minor in English, and, in 1940, earned the master’s degree in Mathematics. Warner Williams soon found her niche in the Extension Program of the College and began to distinguish herself as an educator devoted to continuing education and educational outreach.

For 33 years, Warner Williams devoted her life to the great cause and the noble principles of elevating the minds of young people of all ages seeking to learn and to grow and to become better. In 2022, the University of Maine renamed a lecture hall after Warner Williams, the institution’s first Black Mathematics graduate. Her legacy also lives on at Morgan through the work of the College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies, which was established at Morgan in 2021.

Warner Williams continued her own professional development by taking courses at several institutions, including Claflin, Fisk, Johns Hopkins, Michigan State, Chicago, Morgan and the University of Maryland, College Park. In 1963, Warner Williams

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CELEBRATES THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1948 FOUNDING OF THE RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS (ROTC) BEAR BATTALION

Morgan State University was one of the original eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to establish the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, after the historic integration of the United States Army by President Harry S. Truman on July 26, 1948. Dr. Martin D. Jenkins, president of Morgan State College, and Lieutenant Colonel West A. Hamilton, established the ROTC Bear Battalion the same year. While initially affiliated with the Infantry Branch, the Bear Battalion is now affiliated with the Ordnance Corps. Until 1972, the first two years of ROTC were mandatory for all male students at Morgan. After that period, participation in the ROTC program for all male and female students at Morgan State became voluntary.

The first Morgan student to graduate and receive a second lieutenant commission through the ROTC program was Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Leon D. Bressant. He first enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 during World War II. He later served with the 1695th Combat Engineer Battalion, followed by a combat tour in Europe. He was responsible for clearing minefields and roads containing enemy mines. He was a member of Morgan State College’s first ROTC class in 1948. He was given an exception by the Department of the Army for the two-year ROTC completion rule and received his second lieutenant commission within one year. He graduated and was commissioned in 1949. He was the first and only ROTC student commissioned that year.

Since that time, Morgan State University has maintained a proud tradition of producing top-quality officers for the Army. More than 1,300 officers have graduated from the Bear Battalion. In 1979, Morgan State University produced its first general officer, Brigadier General George M. Brooks. In 2001, General Larry R. Ellis received his fourth star and is now the fourth African American to reach the rank of general in the Army. He is the first from an Historically Black College or University. The Bear Battalion has produced 12 general officers, which includes the current surgeon general of the U.S. Army, Lieutenant General R. Scott Dingle.

Today, we pause and salute Morgan State University’s ROTC Bear Battalion for 75 years of exemplary service to our nation.

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INDEX Academic Degrees ................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Academic Regalia ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Alma Mater ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Alumni Oath of Allegiance ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Announcer ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 31 Anthem .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Board of Regents ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Candidates for Degrees Bachelor’s Degrees .......................................................................................................................................................................... 25 College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies .............................................................................................................. 25 James H. Gilliam, Jr., College of Liberal Arts .......................................................................................................................... 25 School of Architecture and Planning ...................................................................................................................................... 26 Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management ............................................................................................................. 26 School of Community Health and Policy ............................................................................................................................... 27 School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences ..................................................................................................... 27 School of Education and Urban Studies ................................................................................................................................. 28 Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., School of Engineering ................................................................................................................... 28 The School of Global Journalism and Communication .......................................................................................................... 29 Doctor of Education ....................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Doctor of Engineering ................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Doctor of Philosophy .................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Doctor of Public Health ................................................................................................................................................................ 19 Master of Architecture.................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Master of Arts ................................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Master of Business Administration ............................................................................................................................................... 21 Master of City and Regional Planning .......................................................................................................................................... 22 Master of Education ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Master of Engineering ................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Master of Public Health ................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Master of Science ........................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Master of Social Work ................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Chief Faculty Marshals of the University ................................................................................................................................................. 5 Clara I. Adams Honors College Graduates ............................................................................................................................................ 30 Commencement Speaker ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Degree Candidate Reader ........................................................................................................................................................................ 31 Dr. Iva G. Jones Medallion Emblem ........................................................................................................................................................ 8 Dr. Sandye Jean McIntyre II International Award ................................................................................................................................... 8 Honorary Degree Recipients ................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Latin Honors Graduates ......................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Morgan State University Mace ................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Officers of the University ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Order of Exercises .................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Order of Procession ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Presidential Chain of Office ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7 President’s Awards ................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Commissions .................................................................................................................................... 31 To Our Guests .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

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Produced by the Morgan State University Office of Public Relations & Strategic Communications (OPRSC) Printed by the Morgan State University Print Shop

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MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY 1700 East Cold Spring Lane • Baltimore, Maryland 21251 www.morgan.edu