Morgan State University Foundation Announces New Board Chair, Executive Committee Officers and Directors

BALTIMORE — The Morgan State University Foundation’s (MSUF’s) board of directors is pleased to announce that Joseph S. Simms III, ‘93, was elected as its new board chair at its first convening to commence fiscal year 2025. Simms, a Morgan State alum of the Class of 1993 and former chief diversity officer at Stanley Black and Decker, replaces Jacqueline L. Lawson, ‘75, and will serve a three-year term as MSUF board chair.

In addition to the election of Simms, the Foundation welcomes two new officers to its executive committee. Mervin A. Bourne Jr., ‘99, is assuming the role of secretary, the position previously held by Simms; Calvin H. Baker will retain the position of Investment Committee chair, replacing Larry E. Jennings Jr.; and LeVerne A.B. Wallace, ‘65, will serve as the new chair for the Committee on Directors, succeeding Dr. Melanie Lynn Jackson, ‘95. Joining the newly appointed Executive Committee Officers are two new board members, Dawn White (as of April 2024) and Cyril A. Wallace (beginning October 2024).

“On behalf of the Foundation, it is my great honor to welcome our newly elected board chair. Joseph Simms’ exceptional acumen and wealth of experience leading at the highest levels of Fortune 100 companies, will be an invaluable asset as we continue to advance our mission,” said Endia M. DeCordova, vice president for Institutional Advancement at Morgan State University and executive director of the Morgan State University Foundation. “Alongside our new executive committee officers and board members, each bringing unique expertise to their roles, I am confident that, together, we will continue to elevate our transformative impact, strengthen the culture of philanthropy, and realize the shared vision that drives our work.”

MSUF Executive Director Endia M. DeCordova (left), MSUF Chair Joseph S. Simms III (center) and MSUF Secretary Mervin A. Bourne Jr., at a recent quarterly convening of the Morgan State University Foundation Board.

“I am truly honored by this appointment and for being entrusted with the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Morgan State University Foundation,” said Simms. “Morgan has had a profound impact on me and my family across generations, and now, in this role, I am excited to help guide and support the University’s future in one of the most profound ways, philanthropic stewardship. This is an opportunity not just to give back but to play a central role in expanding our network of donors and resources to support Morgan for years to come.”

New executive committee officers of the MSUF Board of Directors include:

Joseph S. Simms III, a graduate of Morgan’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program, holds a Master of Arts degree in Labor and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He most recently served as chief diversity officer (CDO) at Stanley Black & Decker, where he presided over the organizational strategy for diversity, equity and inclusion at the multinational operation, with the goals of accelerating company performance, optimizing organizational culture, enhancing transparency and strengthening accountability. Before taking the role of CDO, Simms was vice president, Human Resources, for the company’s $10-billion Global Tools & Storage business and, before that, amassed a 17-year tenure at PepsiCo, where he held various positions, including senior director, Human Resources, for Pepsi Beverage Company’s (PBC’s) Mid-Atlantic Region.

Mervin A. Bourne Jr., also a Morgan alum, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude, at Morgan and later acquired a Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law–Newark. A 21-year career attorney and former federal prosecutor, Bourne now serves as an associate general counsel on the Security Legal team of Meta Platforms, Inc., adjudicating legal matters of Meta’s Law Enforcement Response Team and issues related to the Stored Communications Act (SCA). He is also an accomplished author and documentarian, having published, “A Single Mother’s Guide to Raising a Son” and “Sharpening Swords,” as well as an award-winning documentary, “The Raising of the Son.”

Calvin H. Baker is the former managing director and head of Strategic Relationships at Brown Capital Management, a nationally recognized investment management firm. With a rich background in finance and strategic development, Baker played a pivotal role in fostering key partnerships and driving growth during his more than 25-year tenure in financial management. He holds a B.A. in History from Franklin & Marshall College and an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Now retired, Baker dedicates his time to volunteer and nonprofit board service.

LeVerne A.B. Wallace is a graduate of Morgan and was among the celebrated Morgan State College students who led nonviolent protests to desegregate the Northwood Theatre near the campus in 1963. Upon receiving her degree in Education, she taught in the Baltimore City Public Schools before commencing a pioneering career in human resources. Wallace later held executive positions in HR management for Eli Lilly and Company and for large Silicon Valley firms, before her retirement.

Dawn White is the Vice President of Gas Distribution at BGE, where she oversees the safe operation of the gas system, including engineering, planning, and regulatory compliance. With nearly two decades at BGE, she has held several leadership roles, most recently as Director of Regional Electric Operations. White’s expertise within the electric and gas industry vertical spans administration, strategic investment, and integrity management. She began her career as an engineer and progressed through various leadership positions. Civically engaged, in addition to her service on the MSUF Board (which began in April 2024), she serves on the Prince George’s Community College Foundation Board and is a member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy. White holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Loyola University Maryland.

Cyril A. Wallace is a leading Fortune 100 sales executive who slated to bring his forward-thinking and strategic vision to the Foundation Board beginning in October 2024. Wallace currently serves at the Vice President General Manger for Pepsico Beverages North America (PBNA) managing $2.3 billion in sales and approximately 4,000 employees in the Metro Atlantic Region. Over his 20-plus years with the Pepsico brand, Wallace has held the titles of Senior Vice President General Manger and Senior National Sales Director (among others) while successfully overseeing key business alliances with top-tier big box and c-store retail operations including Sam’s Club, 7-Eleven, CVS and Walgreens. Wallace earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Georgia State University and a Master of Business Administration through DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management. In addition to serving on the MSUF Board, Wallace extends his service to the community by contributing to Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Young Black Leadership Alliance.

Appointed officers to the executive committee and the Foundation Board serve terms of three years.

Rounding out the Foundation’s new board appointments are a cadre of other accomplished Foundation members, including: Forest T. Harper Jr., ’78, (Vice Chair); Craig I. Spencer, ’83,  (Treasurer, Audit and Compliance and Finance Committee Chairs); David A. Sheppard, ’87,  (Audit and Compliance Committee Chair and Finance Committee Chair); Dr. Geneva J. Williams, ’70, (Development Committee Chair); Lt. Col. (Ret.) Michael L. Bell, ’76; Nicholas Edwards, ’14;  Kevin L. Hawkins; William A. Sherman II, Esq., ’83; Trisch L. Smith, ’96; and Stanley W. Tucker, ’74.

About the Morgan State University Foundation

The Morgan State University Foundation, Inc., is a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Established in 1971 and governed by its Board of Directors, MSUF provides financial support and counsel for Morgan State University, Maryland’s largest Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and the State’s designated Preeminent Public Urban Research University. The Foundation exists solely to promote the growth, progress and general welfare of Morgan State University. The MSUF administers private donations in support of academic programs, student scholarships, faculty development, public service initiatives and other priorities of Morgan State University. For more information about the Morgan State University Foundation and/or to support Morgan student success by contributing, please visit www.givetomorgan.org.

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