Vernon Morris, a pioneering figure in atmospheric sciences, established the first PhD-granting graduate program in atmospheric sciences at a historically Black college and university (HBCU) in 2001 at Howard University in Washington, D.C., aiming to address the underrepresentation of Black scientists in the field. The program, which Morris founded as a professor at Howard, produced at least 50 African American and 30 Latinx PhD graduates in atmospheric sciences in the United States between 2006 and 2018, according to data collected by the university. This initiative significantly increased the number of Black atmospheric scientists, a field where Morris himself was a rarity, being the first African American to earn a doctorate in Earth and atmospheric sciences from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1991.

Morris recognized the need for change early in his career, noting that fewer than a dozen Black atmospheric sciences PhD holders existed in the United States at the time of his graduation. His program at Howard University sought to provide opportunities and foster a more inclusive environment for aspiring Black scientists. The curriculum focused on core atmospheric science principles, including atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, cloud physics, and atmospheric chemistry. Students also gained experience in research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific communication.

The impact of Morris's program extends beyond academia. Graduates have gone on to careers in government agencies like NASA and NOAA, private sector environmental consulting firms, and research institutions. These scientists are contributing to critical areas such as climate modeling, air quality monitoring, and weather forecasting. "The goal was to create a pipeline," Morris stated in an interview, "to ensure that talented Black students had the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees and contribute to the atmospheric sciences."

The program's success highlights the importance of HBCUs in diversifying STEM fields. By providing a supportive and culturally relevant environment, Howard University was able to attract and retain talented students who might otherwise have been overlooked. The program also served as a model for other institutions looking to increase diversity in their STEM programs.

Currently, Morris continues to advocate for greater inclusion in the sciences through mentorship and outreach activities. While the number of Black atmospheric scientists has increased since Morris began his work, he emphasizes that there is still much work to be done to achieve true equity and representation in the field. Future efforts will focus on expanding access to STEM education at the K-12 level and providing ongoing support for Black scientists throughout their careers.