Wilson to stay at Morgan State for one more year

At the Dec. 28 meeting, the board agreed to negotiate a new, one-year contract that would keep Wilson at the helm through June 2014.

The decision came after the board heard public testimony and a subsequent closed meeting session that lasted nearly three hours.

Wilson said that in the coming year he would work to improve communication between himself and the board. Wilson said he had not done as good a job as he should have in ensuring the board was up-to-date on his plans for the university.
"In order for a university to operate in ship-shape manner, it requires the president and the board to be on the same page," Wilson said.

The board called the meeting Dec. 28 to hear from the public. At least 12 people addressed the board and dozens more crowded into the board’s conference room in solidarity. Board members have been mum about the reason for not renewing Wilson’s contract and ignored pleas for an explanation at the meeting.
“We don’t have authority, we don’t have legal power to change the board’s mind, but we have influence,” said Eugene Smith, a master’s student at Morgan. Smith expressed a sentiment shared by many at the meeting — that the community is speaking out against the board’s vote, “in support not just of Dr. Wilson but of the future of this community.”

Supporters say Morgan improved under Wilson, especially with regard to its oft-strained relationship with neighbors. The Morgan Community Mile project launched under Wilson is intended to strengthen the school’s community ties while building resources for local residents.
Wilson was present at the meeting but did not address the public. He was expected to talk to the board during a closed session.

Others who spoke in support of Wilson included Baltimore City Council members Robert Curran and Mary Pat Clarke.
Curran said it had been “refreshing” to work with Wilson and said no other Morgan administrator had been as receptive to working with the community.
“Morgan State University does not operate in a vacuum,” Curran said to the board.

Alumni and faculty said they feared losing Wilson would hinder the school’s ability to raise money and recruit students. Enrollment and fundraising grew under Wilson, they noted. Enrollment at Morgan increased to 8,011 in 2011 from 7,226 in 2009.

“I can’t understand risking that level of support,” said Jacqueline Lawson, president of the Morgan State University National Alumni Association.

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