Dr. F. Dubois Bowman ‘92 became the 13th president of Morehouse College on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
The Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel hosted the inauguration after a procession through Century Campus, cheered by hundreds of Men of Morehouse and members of the college community. African drummers led the procession, followed by the Platform Party, which included Bowman, Provost Dr. Kendrick Brown, institutional delegates, and the Morehouse College Class of 2026.
The Morehouse legacy
Bowman graduated Morehouse College with a bachelors degree in mathematics with magna cum laude. Also, Bowman is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States, founded in 1776.
Bowman reveled in his return to Morehouse, understanding his purpose in developing future Black scholars of consequence and excellence.
“I return home, to my Alma Mater, with clarity on the assignment,” Bowman said, vowing to ensure the college’s continued success. He entered the chapel to thunderous cheers, his beaming smile reflecting the anticipation, excitement, and promise in the room.
Bowman’s inauguration coincided with the 159th anniversary of Morehouse College’s founding. Springfield Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia, established the institution on Feb. 14, 1867. The college moved to Atlanta in 1879 and adopted the name Morehouse College in 1913.
The ceremony honored the four most recent Morehouse presidents: 12th President Emeritus Dr. David A. Thomas, 11th President John S. Wilson, Jr. ‘79, 10th President Dr. Robert M. Franklin, Jr. ‘75, and 9th President Walter E. Massey ‘58.
Leading with purpose
Bowman titled his inaugural theme, “Building Principled Leaders: Steadfast, Honest, True,” inspired by the college hymn “Dear Old Morehouse”, composed by J.O.B. Moseley ‘29.
“Morehouse College will intentionally provide experiences that cultivate principled leaders,” Bowman said. “In a world craving ethical leadership, Morehouse must be unmistakably known as an incubator of principled leaders. Use your principles as your guide, and even when you fall short, don’t compromise. Assess, adjust, and move forward.”
Bowman began his presidency on July 15, 2025. He brings over 18 years of higher education leadership. Most recently, though, as dean of the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. As a biostatistician and data scientist, Bowman has advanced public health research on neurological conditions, including schizophrenia and depression, and studied how environmental factors affect youth brain health.
A village in celebration
Former President Massey unveiled portraits of Bowman and First Lady Cynthia Bowman, Spelman College Class of ‘91, which the family celebrated with awe, tears, and a kiss. The Bowman family continues its Morehouse legacy with graduate Amari Bowman ‘24 and current student Brandon Bowman ‘28.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and District Four Fulton County Commissioner Moriamo “Mo” Ivory, Spelman Class of ‘91 and Bowman family friend, honored the president. Ivory proclaimed Feb. 12, 2026, as Dr. F. Dubois Bowman Appreciation Day in Fulton County.
Spelman President Dr. Rosalind Brewer, Spelman Class of ‘84, congratulated Bowman on behalf of the Atlanta University Consortium Presidential Committee. The Morehouse College Glee Club and 94th Student Government Association President Kenneth Ugo also paid tribute on behalf of the student body.
The ceremony concluded with the cherished tradition of singing Dear Old Morehouse with linked arms and a benediction from Dean Lawrence E. Carter, founding dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel.
