Morehouse College is parting ways with its president after the board voted not to renew John S. Wilson’s contract as Morehouse enters its 150th-year celebration.
In a release sent to the press, officials at the all-male, historically black college in Atlanta said:
The Morehouse College Board of Trustees and President John Wilson announce that Dr. Wilson will complete his service as President of Morehouse College when his contract ends in June 2017. Dr. Wilson will pass the baton to a new President allowing that person to build on his recent achievements as Morehouse enters its 150th year celebration.
Dr. Wilson was appointed in November 2012 and will serve as President of Morehouse College through June 2017.
“The Board of Trustees recognizes Dr. Wilson’s significant contributions to the College and its students, faculty and alumni,” said Robert Davidson, Chairman of Morehouse College’s Board of Trustees. “Dr. Wilson turned around Morehouse in a number of ways. During his tenure, Dr. Wilson improved student achievement across a wide range of metrics.
“He and his team were champions for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) initiatives for our students and significantly increased the College’s private gifts, grants and contracts,” Davidson added. “In addition, Dr. Wilson played a pivotal role in bringing President Barack Obama to Morehouse as the commencement speaker in 2013, and hosting Vice President Biden in 2015.”
“I am proud of the work we have achieved and the obstacles we have overcome while serving as President of Morehouse College,” Dr. Wilson said, the statement reads. “I am particularly proud that alumni fundraising was significantly enhanced, with donations from alumni and the Board of Trustees reaching record levels over the past two years.”
According to the black college, the Board will focus on identifying new leadership to continue providing Morehouse students with the highest degrees of academic excellence.
