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ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today joined elected officials and leadership from Morgan State University for the groundbreaking of their new Science and Research Center. The project will receive $337 million in state funding, the largest state investment in Morgan State University history. During the ceremony, the governor highlighted the significance of the state’s investment in contributing to Baltimore and Maryland’s economic growth, with leadership in science, technology, engineering, and math being the key driving component.
“We are here today not only to celebrate a beautiful building, but to celebrate a beautiful future for this campus and city,” said Gov. Moore. “With this cathedral of knowledge at its center, Morgan State will be ranked among the best places for research in the world. An achievement this significant cannot happen without partnership. Together, we are building a state that is more competitive, more prosperous, and that leaves no one behind.”
The governor was joined by Morgan State Board of Regents Chair Kweisi Mfume; Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott; Morgan State University President David K. Wilson; and state and Baltimore City legislators for the groundbreaking ceremony.
“This landmark Science and Research Complex will bolster the research capabilities at Morgan State, one of the country’s premier HBCUs that proudly resides right here in Baltimore,” said Morgan State Board of Regents Chair Kweisi Mfume. “Thanks to the monumental support and historic investment from the state, professors and students alike will have the opportunity to continue their remarkable research and studies in state-of-the-art facilities, propelling Morgan into the future as a leading research institution not just in our state, but across the nation.”
“In recent years, Baltimoreans have watched and celebrated the transformation of the Morgan State campus, from new investments that advance world-class research, to new resources to help students be successful. This groundbreaking keeps that momentum going,” said Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott. “As we put shovels in the ground and cranes in the air, I’m confident that the best is yet to come for Morgan. And I look forward to seeing student leaders continue to drive science and research progress that benefits the nation and the world.”
The Moore-Miller Administration has invested a total of $1.34 billion towards Historically Black Colleges and Universities, a funding increase of nearly 60%. Phase 2 of the project—covering construction of the new building—has already received $110 million in state funding, including $70 million allocated in the FY 2026 budget to complete the design, and continue construction of the new facility. The remaining state funds for the project are scheduled in the Governor’s Capital Improvement Program through FY 2029.
“The State of Maryland’s unwavering investment in Morgan State University and our new Science Center reflects a bold commitment to expanding research excellence and educational access for generations to come,” said Morgan State University President David K. Wilson. “I extend my deepest gratitude to Governor Wes Moore and his administration for their visionary leadership and steadfast partnership. This transformational facility enhances Maryland’s competitiveness in research and will play a pivotal role in advancing our pursuit of R1 status, while positioning Morgan as a national leader in scientific discovery and innovation.”
The 246,435 square foot Science and Research Center will support modern instructional and research needs in sciences, offering collaborative teaching and research spaces; information technology and computer labs; tutoring and learning centers; an environmental and botanical rooftop greenhouse; and remote and hybrid technology integration.
The new facility represents a bold step forward in Morgan’s State University’s strategic growth, serving as a catalyst for advancing the university’s research capabilities and supporting its goal of achieving R1 Carnegie classification. Morgan State University research grants have increased significantly over the last few years, putting the university on track to exceed $100 million in investments this year. The university has also set a record among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities by obtaining the highest number of patent awards in a calendar year with 13 patents in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 11.
