News | Morris College

Dr. Cornelius B. Leach

Dr. Leach joined the Morris College family in a full-time capacity in August of 2022 when he was hired as the Chairperson of the Division of Education.

Morris College Sumter Alumni Chapter Little Miss/Master Pageant

Dranicia Grey shadowed a Vascular Surgeon

Dranicia Grey shadowed Dr. A. Sharee Wright, Vascular Surgeon at MUSC Charleston on December 27-29, 2022.

Business Week Event

The Division of Business Administration celebrated 50 years of service from October 28 through Thursday, November 3.

THE DIVISION OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS HACKATHON COMPETITION AT DENMARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE NOVEMBER 5, 2022

Three Morris College Cybersecurity majors wins second place in the Hackathon Competition at Denmark Technical College.

Pathways to Medicine Program

Ms. Takeara Robinson has been a phenomenal Pathways to Medicine Program participant. This summer she participated in...

The Pinnacle Honor Society

Welcomes 15 inductees to the National Honor Society. The Program was held on April 21, 2022, at 6:00 p.m . Read all about it

Lanier Leads New Era In Alumni Giving At Morris College

Mr. Eric Lanier presents Dr. Staggers with a check from the Alumni. (from left) Dr. Gloria Seabrook-Wright, Interim Director of Institutional Advancement, Mr. Eric Lanier, President Morris College National Alumni Association, and Dr. Leroy Staggers, College President

HOMECOMING 2022 UPDATES

Supporters “Make It Morris!”

Joshua Baptist Church of North Charleston and Savannah Grove Baptist Church of Effingham showed their faith in Morris College as an institution that prepares students for success. Both congregations, strong college supporters, recently contributed to the college’s “Make It Morris” campaign by giving a $10,000 gift toward the 2021 Fall Harvest Rally.

Mr. and Miss Co-Ed and Miss Homecoming Announced and Crowned During Pre-Fall Harvest Worship Service and Rally; Gifts also Reported

Morris College held its Pre-Fall Harvest Worship Service and Rally on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 10 a.m. in the Neal-Jones Auditorium. During the assembly, the Reverend Dr. Charles M. Pee, assistant professor of Religion in the Division of Religion, Humanities and Social Science and College Minister, delivered an encouraging message entitled “The Need to Give.”

Alumnus and Board Member Presents $200,000 Gift to Morris College from Family

Dr. James Vinson (Ted) Wilson, Sr., alumnus and board member presented $200,000 from his family during the last in-person board meeting of the year. Dr. Wilson, Sr. gave the gift to continue to show his appreciation for Morris College.

Retired Sumter Businessman Donates Towards Scholarship

Charles Fienning, retired owner of the Sumter Packaging Corporation in Sumter, S.C. donated $10, 000 towards the Otis Scott, Sr. Memorial Scholarship and The Louis Fleming Memorial Scholarship.

Morris College has Partnered with Webster University to offer Employees a Preferred Corporate Tuition Discount

Morris College is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Webster University to offer employees a preferred corporate tuition discount!

Morris College Receives $410,000 Grant from National Nuclear Security Administration

Morris College received $410,000 from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to commence preparing students for a Plutonium Modernization Program (PuMP) at the Savannah River Site in Aiken, S.C.

A high honor: Longtime South Sumter pastor Newton marks 50 years in ministry, receives Order of the Palmetto

Morris College Alumnus, Sumter Resident Celebrated 50th Pastoral Anniversary and Received Order of the Palmetto

Furniture Upgrades for Residence Halls

Freshmen students who decided to “Make it Morris” for Fall 2021, were fortunate to be the first to experience brand new furniture!

Morris College Staff Member Receives New Appointment

Ms. Carlotta Stackhouse, director of the Forensic Center & Student Leadership program at Morris College has been appointed to the Citizens Advisory Committee for CPD by the Columbia City Council.

Morris College Sumter Alumni Chapter Donates Gift to College

The Morris College Sumter Alumni Chapter donated $5000 to the college. The unrestricted funds will be used for general, operational, and advancement of the college.

Morris College Students Honored for Academic Achievement

On Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 10 a.m. in the Neal-Jones Auditorium, students were honored for making outstanding academic achievements from the fall 2021 semester.

Bryanna Nycole Fleming Crowned as the 68th Miss Morris College

The coronation, sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA) of Ms. Bryanna Nycole Fleming as Miss Morris College for the 2021-2022 academic year was held on Friday, October 22, 2021, in the Neal-Jones Auditorium. The event was free and open to on-campus students, invitation-only guests, and faculty and staff to allow for social distance. The event was also live-streamed through Facebook.

Atlanta Alumni Chapter Scholarship Application Due December 15

The Morris College Atlanta Alumni Chapter is accepting scholarship applications from students who reside in the Atlanta Metro area. Applications will be accepted through December 15th, 2021.

Mr. Christopher McKinney to be Morris College’s Honors Day Convocation Speaker

Morris College’s best and brightest students from all academic disciplines are scheduled to be honored this Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 10 a.m. in the Neal-Jones Auditorium. The guest speaker will be Mr. Christopher McKinney, executive director of the Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments (COG). All are invited to view the live streamed event via Morris’ Facebook here. Only on-campus faculty, staff, students and invited guests are able to attend the in-person ceremony to allow for social distance.

Alumnus and Trustee Wilson Pledges $700,000 Gift to Fund 30 Students 100%

Friends and family of Alumnus and Board of Trustee Member Dr. James V. “Ted” Wilson, Sr. along with Morris College Board of Trustees and Administrative Council staff gathered upstairs on the second floor of the Solomon B. Jackson, Jr. Administration Building on Friday, October 1, 2021 for Morris College’s Board Room Naming Ceremony. The ceremony was held for Dr. James V. “Ted” Wilson, Sr., member of the Morris College Board of Trustee and founder and CEO of Universal Benefits Marketing Firm, Inc.

MCNAA Officers Installed

The Morris College National Alumni Association installed its new officers during its business meeting held virtually on Saturday morning, September 11, 2021.

Morris College Staff Member Named Judge

Reverend Reginald S. Floyd was sworn in as a Municipal Judge for the City of Hartsville, South Carolina on June 27, 2021. Reverend Floyd is the first African-American Judge in the City's history.

Teacher Education Majors Receive Support from Alumni, Faculty, and Community

The Morris College National Alumni Association funded a proposal designed to help teacher education candidates meet state requirements for formal admission. PRAXIS CORE, a teacher education admissions test, is a critical step in completing a degree in teacher education. PRAXIS CORE consists of three separate admission exams required by South Carolina. The fee, $90 for each exam, presents a financial hurdle for many students. The MCNAA responded to a request from the Division of Education supported by Morris alumni for assistance. The award will support fee payment for 30 exams.

College Kicks off Fall Harvest Rally

On Thursday, September 23, 2021, the campus community gathered in the Neal-Jones Auditorium to kick off the college’s annual campus-wide Fall Harvest Rally. Pledges and contributions were accepted from faculty, staff, and student classes, clubs, and organizations. During the assembly, the college received $10,475.20 in pledges and $2,150 in cash.

Entrepreneur, philanthropist James Wilson Sr. honored with name on Morris College conference room

As a blue-and-yellow boutonniere was pinned on his navy blue blazer, James "Ted" Wilson Sr. looked up with pride at his portrait hanging in the Solomon Jackson Jr. Administration building at Morris College.

Savannah River Site Internship Benefit Two Morris College Students During Classroom Exercise

On Thursday, September 2, 2021, Dr. Dorothy B. Bishoff, associate professor of Biology in the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics’ Ecology class (Bio 305) did a simulation of quadrat sampling. This technique is used to estimate the numbers of sedentary living organisms (like plants) in a given area without having to count each and every one. An example would be a forester trying to estimate how many trees of different species were growing in the forest he or she was monitoring on the basis of a limited numbers of samples.

Do the work": WPDE reporter, Morris College alumni aims to inspire with convocation speech on Thursday

Since seventh grade, Tonya Brown knew she wanted to be a reporter. Brown would often use her pencil as a microphone and interview people at her school and in her community.

Men's Basketball 2021-2022 Official Roster

Morris College has officially confirmed the Men’s basketball roster for this year! View the lineup here.

Morris College Receives $50, 000 Endowment from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Morris College has received a $50,000 endowment from Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated in partnership with the Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF) to establish an endowed fund or scholarship at our institution. The endowment is part of the sorority’s nationwide effort to support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Morris College to Eliminate $759, 985 in Student Debt for Previously Enrolled Students

On August 9, 2021, Morris College spent $759, 985 to discharge the balances owed by 269 students. This action allows a number of students to receive their transcripts or to re-enroll at the college. This debt relief will allow many of our students to continue their education and persist to graduation.

ABC News 15 Reporter to Deliver Morris College Convocation Address

The campus community will convene on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. in the Garrick-Boykin Human Development Center for the college’s Annual Fall Convocation. Tonya Brown, General Assignment Reporter at WPDE/ABC News 15, will be the convocation speaker.

Morris College hires Towanna Hicks as Career Services Director

Towanna Hicks, native of Bishopville, S.C. has returned back to her collegiate roots, Morris College to serve as the Career Services Director. Hicks began her professional journey in September 2001 teaching after graduating from Morris College in May 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Recent Graduate Selected as Physical Education Teacher and Head Basketball Coach at Williams Middle School

DeAngelo Adams '21 recently accepted a new position as a Physical Education teacher and head basketball coach at Williams Middle School. While Adams was a student at Morris College, he was extremely actively involved. Adams served as a president of Men of Morris and was the Student Government Association Business Manager.

Glenene Lanier Promoted to Permanency Section Director for the State of Georgia

Ms. Lanier has been with DFCS for 28 years. She is currently serving as the Deputy Section Director for the Permanency and Placement section. She is responsible for managing the Adoption, Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, Caregiver Recruitment and Retention Unit, and the Social Services Administration Unit.

Morris College hires Christopher Brown as Admissions Counselor and Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Sumter, S.C. (June 2021) – Brown comes to Morris College with over 20 years of coaching experience as an Athletic Director and a Head Basketball Coach. Most recently, he spent the past 6 seasons as the head coach at North Charleston High School in Charleston, SC.

Local Funeral Home Director Receives Honorary Degree from Morris College

Since 1945, Williams Funeral Home, Inc. has been serving the Sumter, S.C. community. Although Williams Funeral Home, Inc. is best known for its role in helping family members celebrate the lives of beloved ones, Williams Funeral Home has a deep history of being connected with Morris College. “When I was younger and growing up, students from around the country would stay in the five bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs when they didn’t have money to stay on campus,” said Reverend James E. Williams, vice president of Williams Funeral Home. Rev. Williams, who is a long-time supporter of Morris College credits his love for Morris College to his late parents, Rev. Frank E. Williams, Sr. and Mrs. Magnolia Williams. Reverend James E. Williams and his father are both graduates of Morris College and Reverend James E. Williams and his mother are both presidential citation recipients from Morris College.

Students Perform in the 105 Voices of History HBCU National Concert Choir

Archie Torain, business administration major from Hartsville, S.C. and Alexander Jackson elementary education major from Sumter, S.C. had an opportunity to perform virtually in the 105 Voices of History HBCU National Choir with the United States Navy Band.

Morris College Celebrates Graduates with In-Person Commencement Convocation

Morris College celebrated its Class of 2021 with an in-person outdoor Commencement Convocation on May 1, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. on the lawn in front of the Solomon B. Jackson, Jr. Administration Building.

Make it Morris This Summer!

Enroll in Morris College this summer to transform your life.

Nunnally Selected for Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel

Major Joshua N. Nunnally, Executive Officer for Director, Officer Personnel Management Directorate with the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, was recently selected Below the Zone (BZ) / Merit Based (MB) to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC).

Employee Spotlight: Deloris Y. McBride, Ph.D.

Dr. Deloris Y. McBride, Ph.D., associate professor of Computer Information Systems at Morris College graduated virtually on May 1, 2021 with a Doctor of Philosophy in Technology from Capitol Technology University.

Morris College is Celebrating the Class of 2021

Congratulations to the Class of 2021! To commemorate your special day, we created a video and photo story so you'll always be able to cherish your achievements.

Morris College ROTC cadet commissioned as Army 2nd lieutenant

Thursday was a special day for Derrell Watson. Watson was commissioned in a ceremony inside the Neal-Jones Auditorium of Morris College from a cadet to second lieutenant in the United States Army on Thursday. Watson is the 55th cadet to be commissioned from Morris College and said it was a long journey to get to this day.

Luns C. Richardson's legacy lives on: Sumter's Morris College unveils statue of the college’s 9th president

Eloise Paschal and Maria Kirby-Smith pulled the silk turquoise cloth off to reveal a new statue erected by the Solomon B. Jackson Jr. Administration Building at Morris College: a 6-foot, life-sized Luns C. Richardson, the ninth and longest-serving president.

Emeritus Status Bestowed Upon Two Morris College Retirees

On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Dr. Patricia G. Ali, professor of history and Dr. Richard L. Smith, professor of business administration, who collectively engaged students in the importance and relevance of education as well as made significant contributions to the college and community for more than thirty years, have received professor emeritus status from the Morris College Board of Trustees.

Morris College Held Spring 2021 Student Government Association (SGA) Officers' Installation Ceremony

Morris College held its annual Student Government Association (SGA) officers' installation ceremony on April 20, 2021 in the Neal-Jones Auditorium.

Morris College Inducts New Members into Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society

Fifteen Morris College students were inducted virtually into the Alpha Gamma Pi Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. The virtual formal induction ceremony took place on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 6:15 p.m. via zoom.

Morris College Inducts New Members to the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society

Thirteen Morris College students and two honorary members were inducted virtually into Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society on Friday, April 16, 2021 at 6 p.m. via zoom.

Morris College to offer “Summer Fast-Track” program

Morris College is offering a “Summer Fast-Track” program to forty-two (42) graduating high school seniors (Class of 2021) on a first-come, first-served basis.

Morris College Alumnus Donates to Scholarship in Honor of Mother and Aunt

Mr. Jerry Hannah, 1981 graduate of Morris College, Morris College Lake City Alumni Chapter president, and an astute businessman and entrepreneur in Orangeburg and Florence county donated $10,000 to a scholarship in honor of his mother, Mrs. Mamie James Hannah, and his aunt, Mrs. Candance James Richardson. The scholarship was established in January 2000 by Mr. Hannah.

Morris College's Lake City Alumni Chapter Continues to Participate in Community Service

Once again, the Morris College's Lake City Alumni Chapter has responded to others’ needs through their selfless and giving spirit.

Morris College Held its 2021 Honors Day Convocation

Morris College held its 2021 Honors Day Convocation on March 25, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. in the Neal-Jones Auditorium.

Retired Morris College Mathematics Professor James L. Solomon featured as Mathematically Gifted & Black’s 2021 Black History Month Honoree

Retired Morris College Mathematics Professor James L. Solomon featured as one of twenty-eight Mathematically Gifted & Black’s 2021 Black History Month Honorees.

Morris College Alumna Donates a Sharp Interactive Smart Board

Dr. JiMiesh Green Crane is a cum laude Bachelor of Science graduate of Morris College. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2005 and since her graduation has excelled academically and professionally. While a student at Morris College, she participated in summer research at MUSC, Charleston, and was a leader among her peers both in the classroom and in the STEM Club activities. She was also crowned as Miss Morris College for the 2004-2005 academic year and she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated through Morris College.

Morris College Faculty to Receive South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Excellence in Teaching Award

Mr. Herbert Johnson, a native of Sumter, SC, and Assistant Professor of Music at Morris College will receive the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Excellence in Teaching Award. The "Excellence in Teaching" award is presented annually by SCICU to a professor from each one of the 20 member institutions who has excelled in teaching, research, and service to the college and community. This is the 16th year the award is being presented. Award receipts will receive a framed certificate and a professional development grant. The 20 Excellence in Teaching award recipients represents a wide diversity of academic disciplines.

Dr. Henry Darby, 1975 Morris College Alumnus Receives Order of the Palmetto

Dr. Henry Darby, 1975 Morris College alumni, Charleston County Councilman, and Walmart Associate at Walmart in North Charleston, South Carolina - lives up to the Morris College mission statement

Morris College Black History Moment

Emergency Student Aid Program

Our Vote Is Our Voice

Morris College Awarded $1.6 Grant

Morris College, a historically black college in Sumter, was recently awarded an educational assistance grant of $1,679,210 by the United States Department of Education. The money will be dispersed over a five-year period at $335,842 each year beginning Sept. 1.

Letter to future Morrisites

Andrew Little, Director of Enrollment Management and Records pens letter to future Morrisites

Letter to Faculty

President Staggers pens letter to faculty members.

Morris College Will Continue Remainder of Semester Online

We will extend our move to online instruction for all courses for the remainder of this semester.

Notice to all boarding students regarding retrieving personal belongings from residence halls

At this time, we are requesting that all boarding students make preparation to remove your belongings from the residence halls. With the health and safety of everyone in mind, this information is being shared to ensure a smooth process to assist you with getting all of your belongings out of the residence hall.

Letter to students regarding continuing academic instruction

Morris College has made arrangements for the instruction of students to continue remotely through its on-line Learning Management System (LMS).

Letter to students from President Staggers

"Through it all, we continue to move forward, knowing that no amount of social distancing can break the bond we have at Morris College. Together, we are #HornetStrong."

FAQ: Novel Coronavirus

Morris College complies with Governor’s Order; Extends Spring Break

Morris College extends Spring Break March 16-31; faculty and staff to report to work

Morris College to honor multi-million dollar donor, Dr. Solomon Jackson, Jr. with portrait unveiling Monday

Alan Johnson honored with $10,000 Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship

A story of personal determination: Morris College senior honored with $10,000 Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship

Morris College announces 2020 Science in Action Week activities

Morris College’s Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics announces annual Science in Action Week activities set for Feb 4 -7

Bishop Rance Allen performs at MLK Legacy Concert

WATCH: Bishop Rance Allen performs at MLK Legacy Concert

Morris College Presents “The Blueprint” as 2020 Homecoming Theme, Announces Homecoming Lineup

Morris College announces 2020 homecoming festivities scheduled Jan. 19-25

Marching into the holiday season with Morris College Fall Harvest Parade

Morris College held its annual Fall Harvest Parade on Sunday through downtown Sumter.

2019-20 Miss Homecoming, Mr. and Miss Co-Ed Announced

Miss Homecoming, Mister and Miss Co-Ed Announced during annual Pre-Fall Harvest Worship Service and Rally

Daughter of Morris College's 7th President Succumbs

Professor Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke, Esq. was the eldest of six children of the late Reverend Dr. Odell R. Reuben.

Boyles '18 recognized for her compassion at Prisma Health Tuomey

2018 graduate Charnelle Boyles recognized for her acts of compassion and words of encouragement at Prisma Health Tuomey.

Alumni chapter donates personal care items

Hartsville-Darlington Alumni Chapter donates personal care items to students

Lawson honored at annual Celebration for Women of Excellence

Abby Lawson, Director of Human Resources, was honored at the 12th Annual Celebration for Women of Excellence.

Morris College teaches cyber safety awareness to Sumter students

Dr. Ali, Chairperson of Natural Sciences and Mathematics partners with Sumter School District to host a fun, educational event for Cyber Security Awareness Day on Tuesday.

Morris College crowns 2019-20 Mister and Miss Morris College

Morris College crowns Aun'ye Wilson as the 66th Miss Morris College and Deangelo Adams as the 2nd Mister Morris College.

HBCU in LA Program Application now OPEN!

Los Angeles based HBCU in LA Industry Internship Program provides an immersive educational real-world work experience essential for launching and leveraging a career inside Hollywood’s coveted inner circle.

Rev. Dr. Cecil Bromell '04 named speaker at Fall Honors Day Convocation

Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Bromell named speaker at Fall 2019 Honors Day Convocation

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. donate to Morris College brick project

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. support Morris College brick project

Michael Brown '19 named keynote speaker at United Way Kickoff Luncheon

Morris alum, Michael Brown, was named one of the keynote speakers at the United Way Kickoff Luncheon in Pickens County.

HBCU Talent Showcase

Attention Juniors and Seniors! Please submit your resumes to Ms. Smith no later than Monday, September 9, 2019.

A new-and-improved retail dining option is coming to Morris College.

The newly renovated Hornet's Nest is opening in Morris College's student center on Friday, August 24.

Bishop Holston named keynote speaker of fall President’s Lecture Series

Bishop Jonathan Holston named guest speaker of the fall President’s Lecture Series

Kingstree senior receives the Arthur McBride Jr. Memorial Foundation Scholarship

Kingstree senior receives the Arthur McBride Jr. Memorial Foundation Scholarship ; to play basketball at Morris

Victoria Dixon-Mokeba 94' receives two doctoral degrees in one day

Kelley named 2019 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar

Kelley named 2019 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar by White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Morris College Alum named Teacher of the Year

Morris alum Jhmal Cole named Teacher of the Year at Sumter County elementary school.

Morris College Ninth President subject of new biography

Dr. Luns C. Richardson was the longest-serving college president in South Carolina. His many accomplishments during his 43-year tenure at Morris College is among the topics in James L. Felder's biography titled "The Life and Times of Dr. Luns C. Richardson.

Wells Fargo: Junior Leaders Conference

The Junior Leaders Conference is a three-day program from women designed to increase students understanding of financial services and the various businesses and career paths at Wells Fargo.

Kenton Kelley named panelist at Communities in Schools Summit

Kenton will join a panel discussion on how integrating a focus on social, emotional and academic development improves the overall climate of a school and the behaviors amongst its youth.

Chesterfield County Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. donates to Morris College

Georgia senior Jayla Carter commits to Morris College

Jonesboro senior, Jayla Carter, has committed to Morris College to continue her athletic and academic career.

Three Andrews Standouts Sign With Morris College

A trio of Andrew High School athletes signed letters of intent to further their careers at Morris College.

Professor Karen Herbert receives 2019 Excellence in Teaching Award

Professor Karen Herbert received the 2019 Excellence in Teaching Award at the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Awards Dinner.

Jeffery Jackson 87' named second in command as major of operations for Sumter Police Department

Morris alumnus, Jeffery Jackson, has been named second in command as major of operations for the Sumter Police Department.

Morris College featured in SC Black News

Morris College Gospel Choir featured in SC Black Newspaper

Morris College Gospel Choir wins first place in the 2nd Annual Lake City “Lift Your Voice” Gospel Choir and Spoken Word Showcase

Morris College Gospel Choir wins first place in competition

Purple Heart College Designation!

The Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for the new Veterans Resource Center was held August 15th, 2018. We are so proud of our staff and and all the people who helped get this started.

Religious Emphasis Week was a success!

Reverend Dr. Michael Runnels, Pastor of Greater Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, delivered a powerful message on "A New Look at Life" during Religious Emphasis Week! (February 19-22)