This month, Morgan State University in Baltimore kicked off the construction of a new Science Center that will significantly enhance the university’s STEM education and research capabilities. The State of Maryland approved $337 million to build the facility, marking the largest state contribution to Morgan State in the HBCU’s history.
The seven-story, 246,000-square-foot Science Center was designed by Moody Nolan, the largest African American-owned architecture firm, with Churchill Banks III, a 1997 alumnus of Morgan State, overseeing the project. Once completed, the building will serve as the new home for the School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. It will feature numerous advanced research labs, information technology spaces, tutoring and collaboration centers, and a botanical greenhouse.
Additionally, the Science Center will pursue LEED Gold certification for environmental and energy sustainability. The construction is designed to include a green roof and a gray water reclamation system to reduce environmental impact.
At a May 14 ceremony to break ground on the construction project, Morgan State University President David Wilson said, “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.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore added, “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.”
Also in attendance was Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. He stated, “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.”
Construction is scheduled to be completed in August 2028.
