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ATLANTA, GA. — Dr. David A. Thomas, the 12th President of Morehouse College, has decided to retire at the end of the 2025 academic year. The move marks the end of an era for one of the nation’s most prestigious historically Black colleges. Dr. Thomas’ tenure, which saw a renewed focus on diversity and inclusion, will come to a close after seven years.
“Serving as president of this esteemed institution has been the honor of a lifetime, particularly during these years of exciting and challenging times,” Dr. Thomas said in a statement. “Over the past seven years, we have had numerous opportunities to enhance our ability to fulfill our mission and values. We have continued to develop leaders while promoting social justice, equity, access to opportunity, and peace.”
Dr. Thomas, who assumed office in January 2018, spearheaded numerous initiatives that reshaped the landscape of Morehouse College.
President Thomas has left a significant impact on Morehouse College.
Dr. Thomas was at the forefront of efforts that changed Morehouse College forever. In fall 2021, the college welcomed its largest freshman class in recent history, according to The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. The college welcomed 973 new students, both traditional and online, marking a 70 percent increase compared to the fall of 2020. Among these, 701 were traditional residential students, representing a 23 percent rise from fall 2020.
Additionally, Morehouse College now has one of the highest endowments for HBCUs in the U.S. — ranking fourth with a $278 million endowment (per The Tennessee Tribune). Dr. Thomas also led fundraising campaigns that significantly bolstered the institution’s financial standing. In October 2023, the college received $4 million to build a campus center and the new Morehouse Real Estate Institute, thanks to donations from Google and Prologis. These efforts have further cemented Dr. Thomas’ impact.
However, Dr. Thomas’s tenure was not without controversy. He recently faced backlash for inviting President Biden to speak at the college’s 2024 commencement. Campus members protested Biden’s inclusion, and the Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine-Georgia issued a statement ahead of the president’s visit, condemning Biden for his treatment of the Gaza conflict.
Who will replace President Thomas at Morehouse College?
President Thomas’ replacement has yet to be named. However, it is likely that the Morehouse College Board of Trustees has already begun the search for Dr. Thomas’ successor. In a statement, Willie Woods, Chairman of the Board, expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Thomas’s service but did not mention plans for the institution’s leadership.
“It has been a privilege to work with and serve alongside David,” Woods said. “His commitment to the betterment and excellence of Morehouse – my alma mater – has been unwavering. I deeply appreciate his bold leadership and contributions and am excited to see what his final year will bring.”
The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.