BALTIMORE — In a philanthropic landscape where major donors increasingly demand detailed accountability and programmatic restrictions, MacKenzie Scott's approach stands apart. Her second transformative gift to Morgan State University—$63 million awarded on Wednesday—reaffirms a philosophy of trust-based giving that empowers institutional leaders to deploy resources according to their own strategic vision.
Dr. David K. Wilson speaks to a Morgan State University student. Morgan State University
"MacKenzie Scott's renewed investment in Morgan is a resounding testament to the work we've done to drive transformation, not only within our campus but throughout the communities we serve," said Dr. David K. Wilson, Morgan's president. "To receive two historic gifts speaks volumes about the confidence she and her team have in our institution's stewardship, leadership, and trajectory."
Scott's first $40 million gift in 2020 arrived without the strings typically attached to major donations—no buildings to name, no specific programs to fund, no elaborate reporting requirements. That flexibility allowed Morgan's leadership to create the university's first unrestricted endowment and strategically invest in institutional priorities that aligned with its mission as Maryland's preeminent public urban research university.
The results have been measurable. Morgan has achieved record enrollment growth and now stands as the nation's third-largest HBCU. The university has launched dozens of new degree and certificate programs, established research centers addressing urban health disparities and educational equity, and endowed faculty chairs in emerging fields including cybersecurity engineering and predictive analytics.
"Our thoughtful stewardship of her initial gift has strengthened Morgan's capacity to grow our endowment and create meaningful opportunities for our students while strategically investing in the University's future," said Endia DeCordova, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the Morgan State University Foundation.
Scott's initial investment also catalyzed additional giving. In 2021, Morgan alumnus Calvin Tyler and his wife Tina made a $20 million donation—then the largest gift ever made by an HBCU graduate—inspired in part by the momentum generated by Scott's contribution.
