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A celebration of life service has been announced for Dr. Morris H. Morgan, who served as the second dean of Hampton University School of Engineering. According to his obituary, shared in an email by Joyce T. Shirazi, current dean of the School of Engineering and Technology at Hampton University, the service will be held at 11 am on Friday, March 11. Dr. Morgan was 72 when he passed away on February 25.
The obituary posted on Legacy highlights many of his achievements as an engineering researcher and educator. Aged 19, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, went on to receive a master's, also in chemical engineering, and then earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1978. Shortly after, he became the first tenured professor of African American descent at RPI.
In 1996, he joined Hampton University (HU) as the Massey Chair of Environmental Engineering. From 1998 to 2003, he served as dean of the HU School of Engineering and Technology. As dean, he secured funding for a NASA-funded Aero-Propulsion Center, a Virtual Parts Manufacturing Center, and initiated the computer engineering degree program. He produced 12 engineering and mathematics Masters and Ph.D. students.
After 21 years of service, he retired from HU and was recognized for his dedication to enhancing the academic excellence of his students and for being an advocate for enhanced research opportunities. In April 2022, he will be inducted posthumously into the Vanderbilt School of Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni for his academic achievements and leadership.
Dr. Morgan was a past Sire Archon of Sigma Pi Phi, Epsilon Delta Boulé. He was also a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Statistical Association. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carolyn, their children; his brother; sisters; uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, March 10 at Bucktrout of Williamsburg, 4124 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 pm. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on Friday, March 11 at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA. Click here for more information.