As part of this year's Founder's Week and Inauguration programming, Morehouse College convened distinguished national leaders for its Inaugural Symposium, a signature event centered on the theme “Building Principled Leaders: Steadfast, Honest, True.” The symposium featured President F. DuBois Bowman '92 in conversation with an esteemed panel whose collective experience spans public service, higher education, faith leadership, and national policy.
The discussion explored what principled leadership demands in this moment, particularly within institutions of higher learning, and how leaders must remain grounded in truth, moral clarity, and service as they navigate social, political, and educational change.
Joining President Bowman for the conversation were Jeh Johnson ’79, who reflected on ethical leadership and responsibility in public service, underscoring the need for steady, values-driven decision-making during moments of national uncertainty. Beverly Daniel Tatum, the ninth president of Spelman College, spoke to the vital role of higher education in shaping identity, fostering belonging, and advancing equity, particularly for historically marginalized communities. Raphael Warnock ’91, U.S. Senator from Georgia and Senior Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, emphasized the moral dimensions of leadership, drawing clear connections between faith, justice, and public accountability. Rounding out the discussion, Michael Drake, Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology at University of California, San Francisco and President Emeritus of the University of California, addressed stewardship, access, and the evolving responsibilities of higher education leaders in an increasingly global context.
Throughout the conversation, President Bowman emphasized that leadership rooted in principle is not performative, but practiced, requiring courage, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to truth. Panelists echoed this sentiment, underscoring that institutions like Morehouse play a vital role in preparing leaders who can navigate complexity without compromising their values.
The Inaugural Symposium served as both a reflection on leadership legacies and a call to action for the future. Grounded in the inauguration theme, the conversation affirmed Morehouse College’s enduring mission to develop men who lead with integrity, act with purpose, and remain steadfast in service to humanity.
The event marked a powerful moment in the inauguration of President Bowman, setting a clear vision for principled leadership at Morehouse—one that is honest, true, and responsive to the needs of the world.
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