Morehouse College Inaugurates Alumnus F. DuBois Bowman as 13th President

Atlanta, GA – Morehouse College formally inaugurated F. DuBois Bowman as its 13th president during the institution’s 159th Founder’s Week celebration held on February 12, marking a new chapter for the historic HBCU.

A 1992 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse, Bowman officially assumed leadership last July. Deeply rooted in the college community, he has served on advisory boards, led mentorship initiatives at both Morehouse and Spelman College, and in 2019 received the Bennie Trailblazer Award, named in honor of former president Benjamin E. Mays. He and his wife, Spelman alum Cynthia Bowman, are also proud parents of a 2024 Morehouse graduate and a current sophomore.

Before returning to his alma mater, Bowman served as dean of the University of Michigan School of Public Health and previously held leadership roles at Columbia University and Emory University.

In earlier remarks reflecting on his first 100 days in office, Bowman outlined key priorities: constructing new residence halls, developing a new student center, expanding mental health services, and strengthening campus safety. He emphasized creating an environment where students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

Bowman also acknowledged the broader political climate, particularly federal efforts targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under President Donald Trump. While noting the challenges, he expressed resolve.

“For the first time in my life, what I see playing out doesn’t look like progress for those who are underrepresented,” Bowman said. “But it’s not new. Is there a need to understand the moment and respond to it? Absolutely. Morehouse will continue to be a vital pipeline for cultivating talent needed to better society — without question.”

When asked about legacy, Bowman framed leadership as service. “I view leadership at its core as service — service to the institution, to our current and future students and their families, and to society,” he said. “I think about how I can use Morehouse as a vehicle to contribute in a positive way to the world.”

With Bowman at the helm, the college signals both continuity with its historic mission and a forward-looking vision centered on student well-being, institutional growth, and societal impact.