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Earl S. Richardson
Maker interview details
Interview
- November 12, 2003
Profession
- Category:
EducationMakers
- Occupation(s):
University President
Birthplace
- Born: September 25, 1943
- Birth Location: Westover, Maryland
Favorites
- Favorite Color: Navy Blue
- Favorite Food: Turkey
- Favorite Time of Year: Fall
- Favorite Vacation Spot: Beaches
Favorite Quote
"Whatever You Do, Do It Well."
Biography
Educational administrator Earl S. Richardson was born September 25, 1943, in Westover, Maryland. After high school, Richardson attended Maryland State College (now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore) where he earned a B.A. degree in social science in 1965. Following four years in the U.S. Air Force, Richardson returned to school, earning an M.S. degree in educational administration from the University of Pennsylvania in 1973, and an Ed.D. in educational administration in 1976.
Following an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force, Richardson returned to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), where he became director of career planning and placement in 1970, and acting director of admissions and registration the following year. From 1973 to 1974, Richardson worked as a graduate assistant at the University of Pennsylvania, before returning to UMES as director of career planning and placement. In 1975, Richardson was named the executive assistant to the chancellor and became a part-time lecturer. In 1982, Richardson was named assistant to the president of the University of Maryland system, and on November 1, 1984, he was named interim president of Morgan State University. The following year, he became the eleventh president of Morgan State University.
Under Richardson's leadership, Morgan State University has seen an increase in financial gifts and grants, both from alumni and foundations. The student population has nearly doubled, and a number of higher education degrees are now offered at the school, including doctorate programs in engineering, mathematics education and science education.
Richardson leads an active life outside of work. He is a past member of the board of directors of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and is currently a member of the board of directors of the Baltimore Council of Boy Scouts of America, among other organizations. In 1995, Richardson was the recipient of the Profile of a Leader Award from Morgan State University. He has also received both a Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Richardson and his wife Sheila live in Baltimore. They have one son.
Richardson was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on November 12, 2003.
Previews from the Digital Archive
Watch the full interview in the Digital Archive
- Slating of Earl S. Richardson's interview
- Earl S. Richardson lists his favorites
- Earl S. Richardson describes his mother's family background
- Earl S. Richardson describes his father's family background
- Earl S. Richardson talks about growing up with thirteen siblings
- Earl S. Richardson describes his mother's personality and values
- Earl S. Richardson talks about his mother's education and how she met his father
- Earl S. Richardson describes his father
- Earl S. Richardson details how he decided to go to college and his enrollment at University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland
- Earl S. Richardson describes the sights, sounds, and smells of his childhood
- Earl S. Richardson details how he developed an interest in history
- Earl S. Richardson describes his religious upbringing and his familial responsibilities as a child
- Earl S. Richardson talks about his extracurricular activities at Somerset Junior-Senior High School in Princess Anne, Maryland
- Earl S. Richardson details his participation in civil rights protests at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland
- Earl S. Richardson talks about his experience at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland
- Earl S. Richardson reflects on his leadership positions at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland
- Earl S. Richardson talks about his service in the U.S. Air Force
- Earl S. Richardson recounts his decision to attend graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Earl S. Richardson describes his experiences as a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Earl S. Richardson recounts his professional trajectory as an educational administrator
- Earl S. Richardson details how he became interim president of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland
- Earl S. Richardson explains how civil rights measures affected historically black institutions, pt. 1
- Earl S. Richardson explains how civil rights measures affected historically black institutions, pt. 2
- Earl S. Richardson talks about historically black colleges and universities
- Earl S. Richardson describes his role in the revitalization of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland
- Earl S. Richardson talks about the growth in the sciences and in the doctoral programs at Morgan State University
- Earl S. Richardson talks about the importance of historically black institutions in society
- Earl S. Richardson talks about the challenges facing historically black institutions
- Earl S. Richardson talks about how historically black institutions can address social problems
- Earl S. Richardson describes his hopes and concerns for the African American community
- Earl S. Richardson reflects upon his legacy
- Earl S. Richardson talks about how he would like to be remembered