Morgan State University, located in Baltimore, MD, is moving forward with plans to launch its own medical school after receiving a $1.75 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), the HBCU announced in a news release.
“This investment represents a pivotal moment for Morgan and for the communities we serve,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University, per the release. “For more than a decade, we have been committed to the idea that a medical school on our campus can be transformative — not only for our students but for the state of Maryland and the nation. With the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s support, we are charting a new course toward a public, nonprofit M.D. program that will train physicians where they are most needed, close gaps in care and reflect the diversity of the populations served.”
Endia DeCordova, vice president for Institutional Advancement at the university, said the grant highlights “the importance of strategic philanthropy in advancing bold ideas.” She added, “This funding will enable us to develop a sustainable, mission-driven model for medical education that aligns with our commitment to equity and access. We are grateful to RWJF for recognizing Morgan’s leadership and investing in the next generation of health care professionals.”
According to the release, Morgan State’s medical school aims to address health care gaps by training culturally competent physicians and expanding access to high-quality care in Maryland.
The university first announced plans for the program in 2020, but those plans were delayed. Now, a dedicated planning group — led by Wilson — is working with state, federal, and philanthropic partners to design the curriculum, build facilities, and establish a sustainable funding model. The initiative will also expand opportunities for students from historically underrepresented communities and serve as a blueprint for inclusive excellence in medical education.
This isn’t the first time Morgan State University has secured external support to expand student opportunities. In 2024, the university’s National FinTech Center received a three-year, $1.05 million grant from Ripple, a global company specializing in blockchain and cryptocurrency solutions, as AFROTECH previously reported.
Alongside its academic initiatives, the university drives significant economic impact, generating $1.5 billion annually for Maryland and supporting over 8,000 jobs, as AFROTECH also reported.
