BALTIMORE — In a momentous event signaling the dawn of a new era at Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan State University officially broke ground for its highly anticipated, cutting-edge Science Center on May 14. With state and city dignitaries, University leaders, faculty, students, alumni, and community stakeholders on hand, the ceremonial turning of soil marked the start of construction of the $337-million facility, which is poised to redefine Morgan’s research and educational capabilities.
Despite overcast skies, the mood was sunny and bright as Morgan’s Magnificent Marching Machine marching band’s play elevated the festive occasion. Following their remarks to the more than 150 people in attendance, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott and Morgan State President David K. Wilson stood shoulder-to-shoulder in hard hats, shovels in hand, as they celebrated not just the beginning of a construction project but the realization of a bold vision for Morgan’s future.
A Beacon of Discovery and Innovation
The seven-story, 246,000-square-foot Science Center — designed by the nation’s largest African American-owned architecture firm, Moody Nolan, and project-led by Morgan alum Churchill Banks III (Class of 1997) — will become the centerpiece of scientific research and instruction on campus. Once completed, the facility will serve as the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences’ home, housing the School’s Biology and Chemistry Departments. In addition, the Science Center will feature advanced research labs, information technology spaces, tutoring and collaboration centers, and a botanical greenhouse — all purposefully designed to meet the needs of 21st century scholars and innovators.
“This transformational facility enhances Maryland’s competitiveness in research and will play a pivotal role in advancing our pursuit of Carnegie R1 research status, while positioning Morgan as a national leader in scientific discovery and innovation,” said President Wilson. “I extend my deepest gratitude to Gov. Wes Moore and his administration for their visionary leadership and steadfast partnership.”
The Science Center will also pursue LEED Gold certification for environmental and energy sustainability, with features including a green roof and a gray water reclamation system to reduce environmental impact. The project represents the single largest state investment in Morgan State University history, funded under the Moore Administration, and highlights the University’s role as a rapidly expanding hub for research and academic excellence.
Leadership Voices: A Unified Vision
Gov. Moore, addressing the audience, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the project:
“What we are here to celebrate today is not real without President Wilson. It took tenacity. It took vision. But most importantly, it took an understanding of what this could be and who it’s going to support,” said Gov. Moore. “This is a celebration of a place where Maryland will be on the cutting edge of discovery. Maryland will build it. Maryland will educate it. Maryland will grow it, and the world will benefit from it. Morgan will soon be ranked among the best places for research in the world.”
The $337 million approved to build Morgan’s new Science Center is the largest state contribution to Morgan State in the University's history. The State of Maryland has invested heavily in Maryland’s HBCUs under Gov. Moore. Funding has increased nearly 60% to a total investment of $1.34 billion in Maryland HBCUs. The Moore Administration has also invested $135 million for specific initiatives in East Baltimore, where Morgan is located.
“Partnership produces progress,” added Moore. “This does not happen by accident. Progress does not happen just because. Progress is made to happen. And each and every one of you understands your fingerprints are all over this progress.”
Another speaker who electrified those in attendance was none other than Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott.
“Baltimore knows that Morgan State is Baltimore’s University,” said Mayor Scott, a proud advocate of Morgan’s central place within the city. “This groundbreaking really is the next step in Morgan's transformation, an investment in STEM programs that the school is known for, and important progress on the road to becoming a top-tier, R1 research institution.”
Added Scott, “Let us be very clear…Baltimore stands loud, Black and proud behind our Black institutions like Morgan State that have always been and will continue to be pillars in our community, uplifting those who have been forgotten and building the best future possible by building the best young people possible. And I could not be prouder to stand with you today as we break ground on the next new building.”
Morgan Momentum Grows
Located across Cold Spring Lane from the Richard Dixon Science Research Center, the new Science Center will be constructed on the site of the former Washington Service Center (constructed in 1980) and the Washington Service Center Annex (constructed in 1952). The facility will be a welcome addition to the University’s inventory of education resources. As one result of its ever-growing student and burgeoning academic degree programs and research endeavors, Morgan has outgrown its current and “dated” Science Complex, which consists of Calloway Hall, Carnegie Hall, Key Hall and the Dixon Research Center.
The groundbreaking of the new Science Center is just the latest milestone in Morgan’s ambitious campus transformation, following the recent openings of the Health and Human Services Center, Legacy Hall and Thurgood Marshall Hall.
As the University continues to expand its physical and academic footprint, the Science Center embodies the spirit of Morgan Momentum — pushing beyond boundaries to prepare the next generation of scientists, researchers and thought leaders. Morgan’s Science Center will not simply be a building. It will be a beacon, an incubator of ideas and discovery, a catalyst for breakthroughs and an engine for inclusive innovation.
Added Wilson, “When a great idea, vision or dream is ever realized, it never, ever, ever belongs to one person. It belongs to all those hands that made it happen.”
Construction is scheduled to be completed by August 2028.
