Morgan State University opened the fall 2025 semester Wednesday with its largest enrollment ever, nearly 11,500 students, after receiving a record 38,000 applications.
The incoming class of about 2,400 “new Bears” comes from more than 45 states and over 70 countries, underscoring the university’s expanding reputation as one of the nation’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
From 8 to 10 a.m., President David K. Wilson and senior administrators welcomed students on Morgan Commons with complimentary breakfast and personal encouragement.
“We’re transforming the university, but we’re doing so without losing our history, our culture, or our soul,” said Wilson.
“Students know they can come to Morgan and get everything they need to be competitive on any stage. This university exists to serve them and I hope that’s the message they take away when they see me and my team out here on day one.”
Stacarda Washington II, junior a business management and administration major with a minor in entrepreneurship and a concentration in finance, shared what it meant to be welcomed by the president on the first day.
“It really feels good to just see somebody of honor and higher ups floating around campus, talking to the freshmen and everyone just getting used to being back on campus and having some type of structure,” said Washington. “It’s always good seeing those guys you always hear about, just seeing their faces on campus. That was definitely a good thing to see for sure.”
Dr. Ryan Maltese, Associate Vice President of Student Success and Retention, credited ‘steady leadership, strategic outreach, and a strong sense of place for the surge in interest.’ “Morgan has had stability at the top for more than a decade, and that matters,” said Maltese.
“Our brand is strong, our campus feels like home, and while we dominate the tri-state region, students come from everywhere for Morgan’s unique HBCU experience in an urban setting with world-class academics.”
Maltese noted that this is Morgan’s fourth straight year of record enrollment, a trend he expects to continue as the university pursues its strategic plan through 2030.
“We’re becoming the destination HBCU,” said Maltese. “But we also have to balance growth with quality, making sure every student has access to housing, classes, and the services they deserve. Our goal is to grow without losing that personal touch.”
To support a student body that is increasingly out-of-state and international, Wilson said, “Morgan is investing in expanded wellness, counseling, and staff training.”
“Morgan is a family, and we support everyone here,” said Wilson. “We want every student to feel seen, whether that’s through a counseling session or just a friendly face on the commons.”
Both Wilson and Maltese emphasized that welcoming students personally reflects Morgan’s mission. “This is college,” said Maltese.
“Get ready, get to work! You have to show up and do your part, because nobody else can do it for you.”
