Maryland’s Morgan State University is pushing toward R-1 status, aiming to boost research output, attract investment and strengthen Baltimore’s economy. Wilson says reaching R-1 status will boost university spin-offs and increase small businesses in Baltimore, fostering the city’s growth as an innovation hub. In Maryland, only four universities have this distinction: Johns Hopkins University; University of Maryland, Baltimore; University of Maryland, Baltimore County and University of Maryland, College Park. If approved, Morgan State University would be the first Black institution to receive R-1 status in the state of Maryland. Morgan State College became Morgan State University (MSU) in 1975, by the authority of the Maryland General Assembly permitting them to offer doctoral programs.