by Destiny Washington
One University dorm will soon be re-named in honor of retired professor Dr. Gordon Morgan, a pioneer educator at the University of Arkansas.
Dr. Morgan was the first male African-American professor on campus to receive tenure. He was initially hired as an assistant professor for the Sociology Department in 1969.
Before he was a professor, he attended the University as a graduate student. “I’ve been around a long time, ” said Morgan as he reminisced about his graduate days.
Dr. Morgan said he had a welcoming experience on this campus. “We didn’t have much of a history of race relations in Fayetteville. So it’s been pretty easy for me, since I’ve been here.”
When Dr.Morgan was a professor, African-American students weren’t allowed to live on campus. He never thought a dorm would get named after him.
The Northwest Quads were built in 2004, with four residence halls. Resident hall B will be re-named after him.
He had a career of 48 years teaching sociology. Dr.Morgan said he couldn’t imagine teaching anywhere else.
“I think if I had chosen other schools, I don’t think I would’ve been as happy as here at the University of Arkansas,” said Morgan.
There will be a dedication ceremony for the dorms in the fall.