Spokesman

Issue date: 9/10/08 Section: Alumni

Nestled away in the Department of Liberal Arts is the office to one of the most influential faculty members at Morgan. Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Dr. Burney J. Hollis doesn't like to speak much about his self. In fact, his most prized recollection of his experiences here at Morgan has been the interaction with the students. His passion has always been teaching and research, but opportunities gave way so that he could serve at his alma mater. "Never in my wildest dreams did I want to become a Dean. When [president] Dr. Richardson came to Morgan in 1984, he asked me to be a part of the institution so I took the position".
Dr. Hollis was born in Vienna, Maryland, a small town which he recollects as looking like a farm. He was never exposed to much outside of his hometown, but always knew that there was something more for him. "I come from a low-economic background. There was no wealth there. I did have excellent teachers in high school who encouraged me to continue my education." Indeed, he did take up the offer of his teachers who he calls his "role models", and began his post- high school education at what was then known as Morgan State College. It was here that he gained exposure in the arts and writing. He gained his sense of self by committing himself to the education that he knew many of his peers could not receive. He went on to graduate Morgan with a 4.0 G.P.A.
Looking back, Dr. Hollis only notices minor changes in the mindsets of the students from when he was a student and present-day. "I have the advantage of looking at things from more than one side. I look at how much we criticize the younger generation, and realize that the older generation criticized us the same way. Society and values are different from when I attended [Morgan], but it doesn't make our students any worse."
His demeanor slightly changes when asked about his fondest moment here at Morgan. He leans back from his large, wooden desk and reclines his brown, leather desk chair. He points to his office wall where a stilted frame holds a picture of a man in his early 20's. "Sean Pereitta, a very mature student with a brilliant mind graduated with a 3.94 average. The only B he ever received was from me," he recollects. "I regretted it, but he came to me and told me that he deserved a B. For a student so mature to realize that I had given him what he deserved was the high point of my career." He quickly diverts his attention back to the office, but his mind still wanders - thinking about the intelligence of a Morgan student, who unfortunately passed years later.

Continued...

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