Classes began Monday after thousands of college freshmen moved in over the weekend.  Scores of new faculty also arrived on campus, and for one historically black college, there were two very special hires.

“Dr. Rockward has a wealth of experience recruiting, nurturing and graduating black physicists,” said Dr. Hongtao Yu, dean of the School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, in a statement. “We are fortunate to be able to attract him to Morgan. We are also very lucky to be joined by his wife, an experienced mathematician and an administrator, who will teach mathematics and assist the chair of the Department of Mathematics,” Dr. Yu said.

Over the last 20 years, the Rockwards have taught at some of the largest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in southwest Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Willie Rockward, who earned his baccalaureate degree in physics from Grambling State University, has served as president of the National Society of Black Physicists and is the immediate past president of Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society.

Professor Michelle Rockward earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from South Carolina State University and a master’s degree in applied mathematics from Clark Atlanta University.