Happy Homecoming, Morehouse!
This week marks two milestones: it is Homecoming season for us all, and I’ve officially passed the 90th day in my role as president. With all sincerity, I could not be more honored, hopeful, and motivated for the season Morehouse is in right now. In these first 90 days, I have had an opportunity to meet, listen, and learn from many of you as we embark upon this journey together in service to this remarkable institution. Since my first day, I have focused on conversations with the Morehouse community, leading multiple listening sessions with faculty and staff as well as connecting with students and alumni. These forums have revealed hopes, concerns, and aspirations, while revealing consistent themes: the imperative of academic rigor and investment, the need to modernize infrastructure, the importance of optimizing the student experience, and the necessity of enhancing and streamlining operations. You have also shared stories of pride, resilience, and belief in Morehouse’s mission, which have been heartening.
Our future strategic priorities must be rooted in collective insight and trust, so I will continue to hold more listening sessions across departments and stakeholder groups, inviting your input and ideas.
An early major institutional transition lies ahead: the search for the next dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel. As you know, Dean Lawrence Edward Carter Sr. will retire in June 2026 after 47 years of service. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has participated in the search process thus far. Choosing a successor for Dean Carter will shape the future character, spiritual life, and moral leadership of this institution and its students. Our responsibility is to ensure the next dean honors Morehouse’s legacy, while bringing vision, inclusivity, and a heart committed to advancing the chapel through the College’s mission. Additional listening session will be scheduled after Homecoming, and it is my hope that the search committee can hear from as many of you as possible.
Speaking of Homecoming, this is truly one of the most exciting times of the year, while we renew our bonds with family, dear friends, and supporters alike. It is important to note that we are aware of recent incidents at other HBCU homecomings. Our top priority is a safe environment for everyone, and we are working with campus safety, law enforcement, and internal teams to tighten protocols, enhance surveillance, manage crowds, and respond swiftly. Please stay vigilant, report concerns, and act with dignity and discipline for yourself and Morehouse.
In closing, these first months have reinforced my belief in the strength of Morehouse. It lies not just in its history or reputation, but in its people and its future possibilities. The expressions of hope and commitment alongside high regard and high standards let me know that we are primed for a great future as long as we continue to put The House first, as a one united institution.
As we enter Homecoming weekend, I invite us all to lean on each other with appreciation, attentiveness, care, and resolve. Thank you for your trust thus far and for walking with me in the months and years ahead.
Happy Homecoming to all inside The House and to all of those returning!
F. DuBois Bowman, Ph.D. '92
President, Morehouse College
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