 |
Morris Hood |
State Rep. Morris Hood, Jr., a powerful advocate for Wayne State University and Michigan’s higher education institutions, died in October--just shortly after being honored with the establishment and naming of the Wayne State University Morris Hood, Jr. Comprehensive Diabetes Center. Hood was 64 years old.
"During his distinguished 28-year career in the Michigan House of Representatives, Morris Hood stood tall in his dedication to the education of students of all races and backgrounds," said WSU President Irvin Reid. "He provided unparalleled leadership and was the vital link for many initiatives that provided the university with critical state resources."
While on the House Appropriations Committee and the Higher Education Subcommittee, Hood helped WSU to secure the public funds necessary for construction and renovation of many campus facilities including the David Adamany Undergraduate Library, Faculty/Administration Building, Academic/Administration Building, Old Main and the new building for the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions. Hood was a staunch defender of programs designed to enhance minority participation in higher education, including the King-Chavez-Parks program.
This past year, as chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Hood helped WSU to secure funding to establish an advanced diabetes center. He was committed to providing the community with the means to battle this debilitating disease, and created an opportunity to energize and focus the efforts of research scientists and health care professionals. The Wayne State University Morris Hood, Jr. Comprehensive Diabetes Center was recently named in his honor in recognition of his long-standing dedication and many contributions to WSU, the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan.