Earl S. Richardson

Earl Stanford Richardson (September 25, 1943 – September 11, 2025) was an American academic who served as the ninth president of Morgan State University from 1984 to 2010. Prior to serving as the president of Morgan State University, Richardson served as Assistant to the president of the University System of Maryland, and Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, Director of Career Planning and Placement and Acting Director of Admissions and Registration at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Early life and early career Richarson was born on September 25, 1943, in Westover, Maryland, an unincorporated community in Somerset County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Maryland State College. Afterward, he earned a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

President of Morgan State University Richardson served as President of Morgan State University from November 1, 1984, to June 6, 2010. During this period, the University went through a rebirth throughout the campus. Richardson's vision was to create an environment for students to receive the best education possible. A fundamental part of that vision was providing Morgan students a quality academic information resource center, strengthening academic programs, improving fiscal management, stabilizing student enrollment, and renovating the University's buildings and infrastructure. Additionally, upgrades included the renovation and construction of classroom and research buildings, residence halls and other auxiliary buildings, totaling nearly $400 million.