BALTIMORE, Md. - Morgan State Athletics held its first annual LIIDERSHIP Academy this past weekend at the Hilton Garden Inn. The academy, which welcomed two student-athletes from each team, was a three-day event that focused on Leadership, Innovation, Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, and Respect.

"This past weekend was a great experience for our student-athletes involved in Morgan's 1st Annual LIIDERSHIP Academy," said Vice President/Director of Athletics Dena Freeman-Patton. "Thank you to our staff, faculty, alumni and supporters who poured into them.  We look forward to watching them display their leadership skills on the world stage."
​
With guests/speakers ranging from University President Dr. David Wilson to Vice President/Director of Athletics Freeman-Patton, the event gave student-athletes valuable insights that went beyond the playing field. By hearing from experienced leaders, the participants gained practical strategies for communication, teamwork, and decision making that can strengthen both their athletic performance and personal growth.
​
"At Morgan, we are deeply committed to preparing our students to lead with integrity and purpose in every arena of life," said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. "The LIIDERSHIP Academy reflects our Core Values and provides our student-athletes with the tools to excel in competition and as future leaders in their careers and communities. I am proud to see this initiative take root and look forward to its lasting impact on our student-athletes."

"Throughout the weekend, I was able to learn so much from each speaker. My experience was very knowledgeable and I learned a lot of lessons," reflected Acrobatics & Tumbling student-athlete and computer science major, Tehya Purifoy.
​
"I would like to point out what really stuck with me was when the second-to-last speaker pointed out that 'Everyone who crosses your path has something unique to teach you.' I really took that in because I have been on a shift with meeting and weaning away from different people, places, and habits," said Purifoy. "Overall, the experience was amazing, and I would truly love to be a part of it again. Thank you so much for the opportunity."
​
By engaging with diverse perspectives, the event encouraged the student-athletes to reflect on their own leadership style, build confidence, and develop a vision for how they can positively impact their teams and future endeavors.
​
Samuel Skinner, a member of the men's cross country and track & field teams, majoring in business management and administration, shared, "I feel like I learned and built on so many soft skills that are essential to be a good leader. Mrs. (Monica Poulard) Hawkins taught me the importance of knowing the game you play, whether that's a business or a sport. To be innovative, you need to allow the development process to work with you. Mr. (Greg) Barnett enforced the idea that to be a leader and to excel in anything, you need to be reflective, passionate, and driven. He talked about those qualities that make people excel in life and in sport."

"My biggest takeaway from him regarding leadership was, 'attitude reflects leadership'. To me, this means the team's culture is directly affected by the quality of leadership that is present. My goal this year is to bring a new attitude and culture of winning/excellence to my team because I know with the talent, work ethic, and drive of my teammates, we can achieve great things in the classroom, in the MEAC, and within the NCAA."  
​

2025 LIIDERSHIP Academy Participants: Laniyah Henderson (women's track & field/cross country), Tiyanna James (women's basketball), Dakota Alston (women's basketball), Serena Rodriguez (softball), Olivia Cameron (bowling), Aleisha Robinson (women's track & field/cross country), Mya Karrick (volleyball), Lauren Perkins (acrobatics & tumbling), Tehya Purifoy (acrobatics & tumbling), Peyton Rodriguez (cheer), Jada Williams (volleyball), Tyler Williams (women's tennis), Olivia Garner (softball), Michaela Stephens (women's tennis), Lance Byndon (football), EJ Tecson (wrestling), Griffin Dorman (football), Samuel Skinner (men's track & field/cross country), Trent Edwards (men's basketball), Jacob Poole (men's tennis), Isaac Sheehan (wrestling), Mohamed Ghettas (men's tennis), Manok Lual (men's basketball), Ronald Gilmore (men's track & field/cross country).
​
2025 LIIDERSHIP Speakers: Dr. David Wilson (Morgan State University President), Dena Freeman-Patton (Morgan State Vice President/Director of Athletics), Greg Barnett (NFLPA Agent), Jana Duckett, Ph.D. (Morgan State Associate Professor), Cathleen Hanson (co-director and co-founder of The International School of Protocol), Jazmen Wilkerson (medically retired U.S. Navy Culinary Specialist First Class), Monica Poulard Hawkins (Founder & CEO of Professional Pipeline Development Group), Dr. Ryan Maltese (Morgan State, Associate Vice President, Student Success and Retention).
​