Notable Alumni of Morgan State University
Morgan State University, a historically Black university, has produced a diverse array of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These individuals exemplify leadership, innovation, and excellence, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering talent and empowering its students to achieve their full potential. This article highlights some of the most notable alumni, showcasing their achievements and the impact they have had on society.
Prominent Figures in Arts and Entertainment
Morgan State University boasts a rich legacy in the arts and entertainment industry, with alumni making their mark as actors, musicians, and media personalities.
- Mo'Nique: An accomplished comedian and actress, Mo'Nique gained recognition as a stand-up comedian and a member of The Queens of Comedy. She transitioned to mainstream roles, starring in the UPN series "The Parkers" and films such as "Phat Girlz" and "Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins." Her talent and versatility have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
- Deniece Williams: Described by the BBC as "one of the great soul voices," Deniece Williams is an American singer with a remarkable career. Her powerful vocals and soulful performances have captivated audiences for decades, establishing her as a prominent figure in the music industry.
- LaChanze: An acclaimed actress, singer, and dancer, LaChanze won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in "The Color Purple." Her talent and dedication have earned her numerous accolades and recognition as a leading performer on stage and screen.
- Tanya Trotter: An American actress, musician, and author, Tanya Trotter began her career as a teen actress, appearing in "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit." She released her debut album "Natural Thing" in 1994 and is currently part of the Grammy-nominated duo The War and Treaty.
- Darin Atwater: An artistic director, composer, conductor, pianist, vocalist, and cultural advocate, Darin Atwater studied at Morgan under Nathan Carter and Melvin Miles. He has appeared with renowned orchestras and is known for blending jazz, gospel, and classical music.
Leaders in Politics and Public Service
Morgan State University has a long-standing tradition of producing leaders who have dedicated their careers to public service and political leadership.
- Kweisi Mfume: A prominent figure in American politics, Kweisi Mfume has served as a U.S. Representative for Maryland's 7th congressional district, both from 1987 to 1996 and again since 2020. He also served as the president and CEO of the NAACP from 1996 to 2004, demonstrating his commitment to civil rights and social justice.
- Wilson Goode: As the former Mayor of Philadelphia and the first African American to hold that office, Wilson Goode has had a distinguished career in public service. His tenure as mayor was marked by both progress and challenges, including the controversial MOVE police action in 1985.
- Elijah Cummings: A dedicated public servant, Elijah Cummings represented Maryland's 7th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives for many years. His commitment to his constituents and his advocacy for social justice earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and community members alike.
- Vashti Murphy McKenzie: As the President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, Vashti Murphy McKenzie is a prominent religious leader and advocate for social justice. She is also a retired bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, making history as the first woman to be elected as bishop in the denomination.
- Curt Anderson: An American politician, lawyer, and former broadcast journalist, Curtis Stovall Anderson was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1983. He served for 12 years and was re-elected in 2002, serving until his retirement in 2023.
- C. Anthony Muse: An American politician and minister, Charles Anthony Muse has served in the Maryland Senate representing District 26 since 2023, and previously from 2007 to 2019. He also represented the district in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1995 to 1999.
- Kwame R. Brown: An American politician in Washington, D.C., Kwame R. Brown served as an at-large member of the council from 2005 to 2011 and chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia from 2011 until his resignation in June 2012.
- Pete Rawlings: As the first African American to become chair of the Appropriations Committee in the Maryland House of Delegates, Howard Peters "Pete" Rawlings was a trailblazer in Maryland politics. He served the 40th legislative district from 1979 until 2003.
- Carolyn Colvin: An American public administrator, Carolyn W. Colvin served as Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration.
- Sharon Green Middleton: An American politician, Sharon Green Middleton has been a member of the Baltimore City Council since 2007 and its vice president since 2016.
Pioneers in Business and Entrepreneurship
Morgan State University has fostered a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, with alumni making significant contributions to the business world.
- Earl G. Graves Sr.: As the founder of Black Enterprise magazine and chairman of the media company Earl G. Graves Ltd., Earl G. Graves Sr. was a pioneering figure in the world of business and entrepreneurship. His dedication to promoting African-American businesses and providing valuable resources to the Black community earned him widespread recognition and respect.
- Kevin Liles: An American record executive, Kevin Liles is the co-founder and CEO of 300 Entertainment. He has been recognized by Billboard Magazine as R&B/Hip-Hop Executive of the Year for his activism and the success of Megan Thee Stallion.
- Dia Simms: An American business executive, D'Angela "Dia" Simms is the Chief Executive Officer of Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal. She was previously the president of Combs Enterprises, appointed by Sean Combs.
Influential Figures in Sports
Morgan State University has a proud athletic tradition, with alumni achieving success in professional sports and making significant contributions to the world of athletics.
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- Omos: A Nigerian professional wrestler and former college basketball player, Omos is signed to WWE, performing under the ring name Omos. His imposing size and athletic abilities have made him a popular figure in the world of professional wrestling.
- Lester Speight: Known for his portrayal of Terry Tate: Office Linebacker in Reebok commercials and Augustus Cole in the Gears of War series, Lester Speight is a former American football player who transitioned to acting and professional wrestling.
- Leroy Kelly: As a former running back for the Cleveland Browns, Leroy Kelly had a successful career in the NFL, earning induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994. His speed, agility, and determination made him a formidable player on the field.
- Visanthe Shiancoe: A former professional football player, Visanthe Shiancoe played as a tight end in the NFL for several teams, including the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings.
- Rosey Brown: An American professional football offensive tackle, Roosevelt "Rosey" Brown Jr. played for the New York Giants from 1953 to 1965. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1975.
- Len Ford: An American professional football player, Leonard Guy Ford Jr. played as an offensive and defensive end from 1948 to 1958. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976.
- Donald Sanford: An American-Israeli Olympic sprinter, Donald Eugene Blair-Sanford specializes in the 400-meter dash.
Leaders in Military Service
Morgan State University has a strong tradition of producing leaders who have served with distinction in the United States military.
- William E. Ward: As a retired United States Army three-star general, William E. "Kip" Ward served as the inaugural Commander of United States Africa Command. His long career in public service includes teaching at West Point and serving in various leadership positions.
- R. Scott Dingle: A retired United States Army lieutenant general, R. Scott Dingle served as the 45th Surgeon General of the United States Army and Commanding General, United States Army Medical Command.
- Larry R. Ellis: A former United States Army officer, Larry Rudell Ellis served as the Commander of United States Army Forces Command.
- H. Steven Blum: A retired United States Army lieutenant general, H. Steven Blum served as the 25th chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Other Notable Alumni
- April Ryan: An American reporter, author, and White House Correspondent for The Grio, April Danielle Ryan joined MSNBC as a political contributor in 2023.
- Sijara Eubanks: An American professional mixed martial artist, Sijara Jihan Eubanks competed in the women's bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
- Yogananda Pittman: An American police officer, Yogananda D. Pittman is the University of California, Berkeley chief of police. She formerly served as the assistant chief and acting chief of the United States Capitol Police.
- Jim Thorpe: Jimmy Lee Thorpe is an American retired professional golfer who last played on the Champions Tour.
- Anne Wiggins Brown: An American lyric soprano, Anne Brown was the inspiration for George Gershwin's rewriting of "Bess" in "Porgy and Bess."
- Robert M. Bell: An American lawyer and jurist from Baltimore, Maryland, Robert Mack Bell served as Chief Judge on the Maryland Court of Appeals.
- William C. Rhoden: An American sports journalist and author, William C. Rhoden worked as a columnist for The New York Times and joined ESPN's The Undefeated as a writer-at-large.
- Gloria C. Gilmer: Gloria C. Gilmer was an American mathematician and educator.
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