March 10, 2025 Story by: Editor
BALTIMORE — In response to a significant drop in Black male enrollment at Morgan State University, Maryland’s largest Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and a rapidly growing research institution, University President David K. Wilson has established the Presidential Task Force on the State of Black Male Enrollment at Morgan.
The task force aims to investigate the root causes behind declining enrollment and retention of Black men in higher education while devising actionable strategies to reverse the trend at Morgan and potentially across other HBCUs.
The initiative follows newly released data from the American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM), which reveals that Black male enrollment at HBCUs has declined by 25% since 2010—outpacing the 22% decline across all U.S. higher education institutions. Despite Morgan achieving record-high total enrollment and ranking as the nation’s third-largest HBCU last fall, the percentage of Black male students has dropped from 43% in 2015 to 37% in 2024, aligning with national trends. The issue has become a pressing concern for President Wilson and the university community, including students who have personally expressed their worries.
“Morgan has long been a leader in providing access and opportunity for Black males seeking higher education,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “The ongoing decline in Black male enrollment at HBCUs is a clarion call for action, and we will not stand idly by. This task force will engage in rigorous research to understand the forces at play and develop evidence-based strategies to ensure that more Black men not only enroll at Morgan but thrive and complete their degrees.”
The task force will be co-chaired by Mark Barnes, Ph.D., associate professor of History and Geography, and Michael Sinclair, Ph.D., associate professor of Social Work. It will consist of faculty, researchers, staff, and students working together to create innovative solutions for recruitment, engagement, and retention.
The task force’s objectives include:
- Analyzing socioeconomic and cultural factors affecting Black male college enrollment.
- Identifying effective intervention models and best practices.
- Evaluating the Black male student experience at Morgan to enhance support systems.
- Providing recommendations to improve retention and graduation rates.
“This is a pivotal moment for higher education, and I am honored to serve in this capacity. Addressing the decline in Black male enrollment requires a thoughtful, cross-sectional analysis of the economic, social, and institutional factors at play—and the broader socioeconomic impact on Black families and communities,” said Dr. Sinclair. “Our goal is not only to understand why these trends are occurring but to implement meaningful solutions that will empower Black men to see higher education as an attainable and rewarding path. I am proud to heed President Wilson’s call to action and work alongside my colleagues to ensure that Morgan remains a place where Black men thrive academically, professionally, and personally.”
Nationally, the decline in Black male enrollment is more pronounced at HBCUs (-25%) than at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) (-22%), presenting a distinct challenge for HBCUs. Experts attribute the trend to economic difficulties, evolving societal attitudes toward college education, and barriers related to academic preparation and financial aid.
Morgan State University remains dedicated to tackling this issue directly, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to educational access and success for Black men. The insights and recommendations from the Presidential Task Force on the State of Black Male Enrollment at Morgan will be shared with university leadership and potentially with the broader higher education community to help shape best practices nationwide.
Source: Morgan State University
