Morehouse College: A Legacy of Excellence and Leadership
Morehouse College, an esteemed historically Black, all-male liberal arts college located in Atlanta, Georgia, stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring legacy of leadership development. Since its inception in 1867, Morehouse has been a beacon of hope and opportunity, shaping the lives of countless individuals who have gone on to become trailblazers in various fields.
From Augusta Institute to Morehouse College: A Journey of Growth
The story of Morehouse College begins in 1867, just two years after the end of the Civil War, with the founding of the Augusta Institute in Augusta, Georgia. Established by the American Baptist Home Mission Society and local residents William J. White and Richard C. Coulter, the institute's primary mission was to educate newly freed African American men for ministry and teaching. The Rev. William Jefferson White, an Augusta Baptist minister, cabinetmaker, and journalist, and the Rev. Richard C. Coulter, a freedman, played pivotal roles in the institute's establishment.
In 1879, the institution relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and was renamed the Atlanta Baptist Seminary. The school received sponsorship from the American Baptist Home Mission Society, an organization that helped establish several historically Black colleges. Later, the Seminary moved to a 4-acre lot near the Richard B. Russell Federal Building site now stands in downtown Atlanta. In 1885, when Dr. Samuel T. Graves was named the second President, the institution relocated to its current site in Atlanta’s West End community. The campus encompasses a Civil War historic site, where Confederate soldiers staged a determined resistance to Union forces during William Tecumseh Sherman’s siege of Atlanta in 1864. The land was a gift from John D. Rockefeller. In 1897, Atlanta Baptist Seminary became Atlanta Baptist College during the administration of Dr.
As the institution grew and evolved, it underwent several name changes, reflecting its expanding mission and scope. In 1913, the college was renamed Morehouse College in honor of Henry L. Morehouse, the corresponding secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, recognizing his significant contributions to the institution. A new era, characterized by expanded academic offerings and increased physical facilities, dawned when Acting President John Hope became the fourth President in 1906. A pioneer in education and recognized as the first civil rights president in the American Academy, he was also the College’s first African American President.
A Commitment to Academic Excellence and Leadership Development
Morehouse College has long been recognized for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and leadership development. The college's rigorous academic programs, led by world-class faculty, provide students with an interdisciplinary learning experience that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
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Morehouse College is accredited by the Commission and Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Morehouse offers more than 30 majors and the Howard Thurman Honors Program which is a selective academic program providing special opportunities for students of outstanding intellectual ability, high motivation, and broad interests.
Beyond academics, Morehouse instills in its students a strong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. The college's emphasis on leadership development is evident in its numerous programs and initiatives that cultivate ethical leadership, civic engagement, and global awareness.
The "Morehouse Man" embodies the college's core values: a Renaissance Man with a social conscience and global perspective who is Well-Read, Well-Spoken, Well-Traveled, Well-Dressed and Well-Balanced.
Notable Alumni: A Legacy of Achievement
Morehouse College boasts a distinguished alumni network that includes some of the most influential figures in American history. Graduates of Morehouse have made significant contributions in various fields, including civil rights, politics, business, education, and the arts.
Among the college's most notable alumni are:
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- Martin Luther King Jr.: A civil rights icon and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, King's legacy of nonviolent resistance continues to inspire generations.
- Spike Lee: An acclaimed filmmaker known for his thought-provoking and socially conscious films.
- Samuel L. Jackson: A prolific actor with a distinguished career in film and television.
- Maynard Jackson: The first African American mayor of Atlanta, Jackson played a pivotal role in transforming the city into a major economic and cultural hub.
- Julian Bond: A prominent civil rights activist and politician, Bond served as chairman of the NAACP and was a leading voice for social justice.
- Edwin Moses: An Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles, Moses is a champion for clean sport and athlete rights.
- Louis W. Sullivan: Former Secretary of Health and Human Services under President George H.W. Bush.
- David Satcher: Former Surgeon General of the United States.
These are just a few examples of the countless Morehouse Men who have made a profound impact on society. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to current and future students, demonstrating the transformative power of a Morehouse education.
Campus and Facilities: A Hub of Learning and Community
Morehouse College's 61-acre campus in Atlanta provides a vibrant and supportive environment for students to learn, grow, and connect with one another. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including:
- Archer Hall: Named after the fifth president of Morehouse College, Samuel H. Archer, holds the college's recreational facilities such as its gymnasium, swimming pool, and game room.
- B. T. Harvey Stadium/Edwin Moses Track: A 9,000-seat stadium built in 1983. The track is named after the only alumnus to win an Olympic gold medal.
- Brazeal Hall: A dormitory built in 1991. It housed athletes during the time of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
- Ray Charles Performing Arts Center and Aretha Robinson Music Academic Building: A 76,000-square-foot (7,100 m2) facility dedicated on September 29, 2010. The Emma & Joe Adams concert hall is named after Ray Charles' longtime manager and his wife.
- Chivers Hall/Lane Hall: The cafeteria of the college and has been featured in many movies. It seats 600 people and is attached to Mays Hall.
- Douglass Hall: (also known as LRC (Learning Resource Center)), named after Frederick Douglass was originally built as the school's student center but today serves as an academic readiness center, which features study spaces, conference rooms, and a computing lab.
- DuBois Hall: A freshman dorm erected in 1973, named after philosopher W. E. B.
- Franklin L. Forbes Arena: A 5,700-seat capacity arena, built for the 1996 Olympic Games. It is now the main gymnasium for the college's basketball team and holds many events year-round.
- Graves Hall: Named after the second president of Morehouse College, Samuel T. Graves, is home to the Howard Thurman Honors Program and Bonner Scholars. When constructed in the 1880s, it was the tallest building in Atlanta.
- Hope Hall: Was named after John Hope, the first African-American president (fourth president) of Morehouse College. When erected, it was known as the Science Building, then later the Biology Building. Through the years, the building became too small for classroom use and now holds laboratories for departments that are in other buildings.
- Hubert Hall: A freshman dorm named after Charles D.
- Kilgore Campus Center: Houses administrative offices, as well as several seminar rooms and lounges. A separate area of the building serves as a dormitory.
- Living Learning Center (LLC): Was formerly known as Thurman Hall.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel/Gloster Hall: Was built in 1978 as the new auditorium and administration building for Morehouse College, replacing Sale and Harkness halls. It is home to the Gandhi-King-Ikeda Reconciliation Institute.
- Mays Hall: Was named after the sixth president of Morehouse College, Benjamin Mays.
- Merrill Hall: Named after Charles E. Merrill Jr., a chairman of the college's board of trustees, became the chemistry building. The 2000s (decade) saw Merrill Hall undergo a renovation that doubled its size.
- Nabrit-Mapp-McBay Hall: Was erected in 1987. The building is also known as Bio-Chem' from a plaque at the corridor stating that the building was built to house the Biology and Chemistry classrooms. It now holds the Biology department.
- Otis Moss Jr. Residential Suites: Are apartment, studio, and suite dwellings built in 2003. The Suites were renamed in spring 2006, after Otis Moss Jr.
- Perdue Hall: Is a residences hall built around the time of the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Robert Hall: Named after Joseph T. Robert, the first president of the college, was erected to be the college's first residence hall. When built, there was a cafeteria in its basement.
- Sale Hall: Named after the third president, was built to contain classrooms. Today, it is the department building for religion and philosophy courses.
- Shirley A. Massey Executive Conference Center: Is named after the first lady of the ninth president of the college. It houses several large conference rooms and the Bank of America Auditorium.
- Walter E. Massey Leadership Center: Houses the Business Administration and Economics departments, the Bonner Office of Community Service as well as other offices. It also has a 500-seat auditorium and an executive conference center.
These facilities provide students with the resources and support they need to excel academically, engage in extracurricular activities, and build lasting relationships.
Traditions and Culture: The Morehouse Mystique
Morehouse College is steeped in tradition and culture, fostering a strong sense of brotherhood and camaraderie among its students. The college's unique traditions, such as the New Student Orientation (NSO) and the attire policy, contribute to the "Morehouse Mystique," a distinctive atmosphere that sets Morehouse apart from other institutions.
New Student Orientation (NSO) is an eight-day experience that culminates with new students ceremoniously initiated as Men of Morehouse. They learn about the legacy of the college, traditions, academic divisions, the brotherhood, and the "Morehouse Mystique".
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The Morehouse College Marching Band, better known as the House of Funk, is known for their halftime performances which combine dance and marching with music from various genres, including rap, traditional marching band music, and pop music.
These traditions and cultural elements contribute to a unique and transformative college experience that shapes students into confident, well-rounded individuals prepared to lead and serve in a global society.
Morehouse School of Medicine
Founded in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) was founded as a Medical Education Program at Morehouse College by former United States Surgeon General Dr. Louis Sullivan. By 1981, The Family Medicine Residency Program was launched and chartered as an independent medical institution. Morehouse School of Medicine has been recognized as the nation’s No. 1 medical school in fulfilling a social mission.
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