Morehouse President John Wilson receives support from his board

By Maria Saporta

The board of trustees of Morehouse College announced Saturday night that President John Silvanus Wilson Jr. (Class of 1979) continues to have its full support.

The trustees had just held a two-day meeting, and they had to make a decision about Wilson’s contract, which was up for renewal.

Following the meeting Morehouse College released a joint statement from Board of Trustees Chairman Robert C. Davidson (Class of 1967) and National Alumni Association President Howard C. Willis (Class of 1978).

Morehouse John Silvanus Wilson Jr. with President Barack Obama during 2013 graduation ceremony (Special: Morehouse College)

For nearly four years, Morehouse has been privileged to have as its president, Dr. John Silvanus Wilson Jr. ’79, a leader who shares our passionate dedication to the continued progress and growth of this great institution.  We have witnessed the zeal and commitment with which Dr. Wilson has addressed the challenges confronting Morehouse during his tenure.

The continued success of Morehouse College is dependent upon the commitment and contributions of all Her sons and of those who share our love for Her.  Dr. Wilson has issued a clarion call for us to join together to realize the “World of Our Dreams.” As Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President of the Morehouse College National Alumni Association, we remain steadfast in our embrace of this quest.

Davidson then proclaimed that President Wilson will continue in his role as president of the renowned historically black college.

Dr. Howard C. Willis ’76, president of the Morehouse College National Alumni Association, shared a similar message, saying, “The National Alumni Association, along with its leadership, fully supports Dr. Wilson.”

Forbes Magazine has ranked Morehouse College as the nation’s fifth most entrepreneurial  college in 2015.

Morehouse College is the nation’s largest liberal arts college for men. Founded in 1867, the College enrolls approximately 2,100 students and historically has conferred more bachelor’s degrees on black men than any other institution in the world.

Morehouse College has produced more Rhodes Scholars than any other HBCU. Prominent alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., Nobel Peace Prize laureate; Dr. David Satcher, a former U.S. Surgeon General; Shelton “Spike” Lee, an American filmmaker; Maynard H. Jackson, the first African American mayor of Atlanta, Ga.; and Jeh Johnson, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.