At Morehouse College, excellence is a tradition carried forward by world-class faculty who are scholars, mentors, innovators, and leaders. From groundbreaking research in STEM to transformative work in the humanities, Morehouse professors shape the future.
Faculty are the driving force behind the student experience. They are scholars and researchers, but mentors who are deeply invested in helping students grow intellectually, professionally, and personally.
Inside every classroom, students engage with professors who challenge them to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and apply their knowledge to real-world issues. This commitment to excellence is what defines the Morehouse academic experience.
The Division of Social Sciences at Morehouse prepares students to analyze complex systems, understand diverse communities, and lead meaningful change.
Humanities, Social Sciences, Media, And Arts Division
Political Science
Andrew Douglas is a distinguished scholar of political thought and international relations who challenges students to think critically about democracy, justice, and power. As Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Media, and Arts Division, he combines rigorous scholarship with mentorship to prepare students for leadership in law, public policy, and civic engagement.
Dr. Douglas’ courses encourage students to analyze complex political systems, evaluate the ethical dimensions of leadership, and understand their role in shaping a more equitable society.
Adria Welcher is an accomplished sociologist, educator, and leader whose work focuses on race and class inequalities, educational experiences, and student development. As Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Media, and Arts Division, she blends rigorous scholarship with deep commitment to teaching and mentorship.
Dr. Welcher’s academic journey began as an undergraduate at Spelman College, and continued with graduate studies at Stanford University, the University of Michigan, and culminated in a Ph.D. from Emory University. Her training has equipped her with a broad and deep foundation in sociological research and teaching.
Dr. Welcher’s research explores how race and class shape educational outcomes and residential choices, particularly for Black middle‑class families. She has co‑authored publications on topics such as racial interaction, colorblind ideology, and socioeconomic stressors, advancing our understanding of race and inequality in educational contexts.
In recognition of her excellence in teaching and student engagement, Dr. Welcher received the 2023‑2024 Vulcan Materials Company Teaching Excellence Award, an honor presented annually to educators who demonstrate exceptional ability to inspire and support students.
She is known for:
Beyond her classroom and departmental leadership, Dr. Welcher also serves as Director of General Education, helping shape the foundational academic experiences of all Morehouse students.
Her commitment to student success, research excellence, and inclusive teaching reflects the highest standards of Morehouse College’s mission — to educate men of consequence and prepare them for leadership in a complex world.
Derrick Brooms is a nationally recognized scholar whose work centers on Black men’s educational experiences and success.
Caption: Dr. Derrick Brooms, sociologist and Executive Director of the Black Male Research Institute.
Derrick Brooms is a nationally recognized sociologist whose research and leadership focus on Black male achievement, educational experiences, and identity development. As a faculty member in the Division of Humanities, Social Sciences, Media, and Arts, Dr. Brooms brings rigorous scholarship, meaningful mentorship, and community engagement to his work at Morehouse College.
Dr. Brooms serves as Executive Director of the Black Male Research Institute (BMRI) — a premier research center dedicated to understanding the institutional and societal factors that shape the lived experiences of Black men. Under his leadership, the BMRI produces influential studies, convenes scholars and practitioners, and informs policy conversations about equity, opportunity, and educational success.
Throughout his academic career, Dr. Brooms has focused on:
In the classroom, Dr. Brooms challenges students to think critically about systems of power, race, and inequality. His teaching blends analytical rigor with culturally grounded perspectives, empowering students to articulate their own insights and pursue meaningful action.
Dr. Brooms’ influence extends beyond Morehouse, he is a frequent speaker at national conferences, contributes to academic publications, and collaborates with scholars, educators, and policymakers committed to advancing equity and opportunity for Black men.
At Morehouse, Dr. Brooms embodies the College’s mission by fostering intellectual curiosity, cultural understanding, and leadership grounded in both scholarship and purpose.
Illya Davis, professor of philosophy and mentor to Morehouse students.
Ilya Davis is a distinguished professor of philosophy whose work centers on helping students unlock their intellectual potential and understand the deeper connections between culture, history, and human experience. With more than a decade of teaching at Morehouse, Davis brings both scholarly insight and personal commitment to guiding students through rigorous intellectual inquiry.
A Morehouse alumnus (Class of 1989), Davis returned to his alma mater as a faculty member and has since become a cornerstone of the philosophy program. He teaches courses that explore ethics, African American philosophical traditions, and the ways in which historical and cultural forces shape contemporary thought. His teaching emphasizes both critical analysis and personal reflection, inspiring students to think deeply about who they are and the contributions they will make as leaders.
Beyond the classroom, Davis plays a key role in student success initiatives at the College. He serves as Director of Freshmen & Seniors’ Academic Success, guiding students through pivotal transitions and helping them build confidence, purpose, and academic momentum. In this capacity he also leads the Freshman Orientation program, creating a foundation for new students to thrive in Morehouse’s rigorous academic environment.
Davis’ scholarship engages questions of philosophical language, religion, culture, and identity, grounding traditional philosophical inquiry in the lived realities of the African diaspora. His work has contributed to broader intellectual dialogues on race, community, and leadership.
In addition to his academic and mentoring roles, Davis is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, an organization deeply rooted in service, brotherhood, and uplift within Black communities. His fraternal commitment reflects these same values, especially in his dedication to guiding young men as they become the next generation of leaders.
Davis exemplifies Morehouse’s mission: he challenges students to think rigorously, live purposefully, and lead with integrity.
STEM Disciplines: Innovation, Discovery, and Impact
Dr. Lance Shipman Young, Associate Professor and Chair of Chemistry.
Lance Shipman Young is a distinguished chemist, dedicated educator, and influential mentor whose work has elevated the sciences at Morehouse College. As Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Division, Dr. Young plays a central role in shaping scientific education, research training, and student success.
A proud Morehouse alumnus, Dr. Young earned his B.S. in Chemistry before completing his Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry at Texas A&M University and a postdoctoral fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine. Since returning to his alma mater in 2003, he has devoted his career to expanding opportunities for students in STEM and raising the profile of undergraduate research.
Dr. Young’s scientific expertise includes biochemistry, structural biology, molecular epidemiology, and protein X‑ray crystallography. His research has been supported by major national funders including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the U.S. Department of Education, evidence of his contributions to cutting‑edge science and scientific training.
Dr. Young is known for:
Beyond his academic leadership, Dr. Young supports students holistically, helping them build confidence, scientific skill, and professional readiness while fostering an environment of inclusive excellence in STEM.
In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Shipman Young is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, an organization committed to scholarship, leadership, and service. His fraternal affiliation reflects the same values he brings to his work at Morehouse: commitment to community, brotherhood, and lifting as he climbs.
Dr. Kinnis Gosha, computer science professor and AI researcher
Kinnis Gosha is the Hortinius I. Chenault Endowed Professor of Computer Science, Chair of the Computer Science Department, and Executive Director of the Morehouse Center for Broadening Participation in Computing. He is a dynamic leader who prepares students for leadership in the rapidly evolving world of technology, artificial intelligence, and computing education.
Dr. Gosha’s research interests include conversational AI, broadening participation in computing, computer science education, and culturally relevant computing. His work creates pathways for students, especially Black male computer scientists, to excel in graduate study and professional careers.
He is known for:
In both classroom and research, Dr. Gosha combines technical rigor with real-world application, preparing students not just to enter the tech industry, but to transform it.
Stephane Dunn is a distinguished writer, filmmaker, professor, and cultural critic whose work bridges academic scholarship, creative production, and public discourse. As Chair of the Cinema, Television & Emerging Media Studies (CTEMS) Department in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Media, and Arts Division, she has been instrumental in shaping Morehouse’s media curriculum and expanding opportunities for students interested in storytelling, film, and media industries.
Dr. Dunn’s creative work spans multiple mediums. She has written, co‑directed, and produced documentary films, including award‑winning projects like Fight for Hope and Mr. Creek’s Move, and she remains actively engaged in creative production alongside her academic roles. Her expertise in media and cultural critique enhances her classroom instruction and brings real‑world perspective to students.
She teaches courses in:
Dr. Dunn is also a published author. She wrote Black Power Action Films, a critical work exploring how film genres intersect with culture, identity, and power. Her creative writing includes the novel Snitchers (2022) and the award‑winning screenplay Chicago ’66.
Her voice reaches beyond the classroom through frequent media commentary and public engagement. She has appeared on A&E Network’s Voices Magnified, NPR, and other national platforms, and her essays have been published in outlets including The Atlantic, CNN.com, Vogue.com, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Ms., Ebony, and TheRoot.
In recognition of her innovative teaching and industry engagement, Dr. Dunn was selected as an Alex Trebek Legacy Fellow by the Television Academy Foundation, an honor that supports media educators and enhances connections between academic classrooms and the professional television community.
Dr. Dunn’s work exemplifies how media studies can inform cultural understanding and creative expression, empowering students to tell impactful stories and critically engage with the world around them.
What truly sets Morehouse College apart is the deep, personal connection between faculty and students. At Morehouse, professors are mentors, advisors, and champions who actively shape the intellectual and personal growth of each student.
Faculty serve as:
This culture of mentorship creates an environment where students are challenged to think critically, encouraged to take risks, and inspired to become leaders of purpose. It’s a community where curiosity is nurtured, achievements are celebrated, and potential is transformed into real-world impact.
At Morehouse, faculty are shaping the next generation of men of consequence, fostering confidence, resilience, and the skills to make a lasting difference in their communities and careers.
What truly sets Morehouse College apart is the deep connection between faculty and students.
Professors serve as:
This culture creates an environment where students are supported, challenged, and inspired.
When you choose Morehouse College, you are choosing more than a college, you are choosing faculty who invest in your future.
At Morehouse, professors are:
These faculty are champions in scholarship and in the lives of their students. Their guidance goes beyond lectures and labs; they open doors to research opportunities, internships, leadership roles, and networks that last a lifetime. Choosing Morehouse means joining a community where your potential is recognized, nurtured, and elevated by mentors who are genuinely invested in your success.
Your Future Starts Here.