By Hazel Scott/ASU
Celebrating a legacy of Excellence, the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation honored trailblazer Jimmy Morris, Jr., the vice chairman of the Alabama State University Foundation Board, as its 2024 “Distinguished Alumnus of the Year” at the 10th annual Legacy of Leaders Awards induction ceremony in Atlanta. The prestigious event was a part of the 39th annual NBCA Hall of Fame Weekend.
Morris’s commitment to alumni engagement and advancement initiatives embodies the spirit of the HBCU community and exemplifies the strength and spirit of the award, award officials said in a statement.
“All the work that I do, I do it to pay it forward to ensure those coming behind me receive the same quality of education and quality of life that I received because somebody paid it forward for me. That has been a goal in my life to reach back and pull others ahead with me as well. This award is not just for me, but for everyone who has been a part of my journey,” Morris said.
Morris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Education from Alabama State University and his MBA with a concentration in Project Management from Columbia Southern University. He is a graduate of Babson College Goldman Sachs 10KSB program and Turner School of Construction Management. He’s currently pursuing a doctoral degree in entrepreneurship from Walden University.
A LEADER IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Growing up in Prattville, Alabama, a young Morris had no idea that one day he would be named the CEO of Morris Builders, LLC, a construction company that his father and mother founded in 1979 as a building company, redeveloping older communities in the Prattville area. Morris and his two brothers took over the business in 2005. In 2007, the company expanded its services to rebar reinforcing installation, offering construction and project management services.
“My number one priority is to make sure that Morris Builder’s stays relevant and is a leader in the Rebar Installation and Reinforcement Industry,” said Morris, who has more than 18 years of work experience.
Morris Builders has completed multiple large-scale projects for various clients, such as the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, State Government and private sector.
“As a specialty subcontractor, we partner with Brasfield & Gorrie, J.E. Dunn, Dawson Construction, and Dunn Construction, just to name a few,” Morris said.
ENCOURAGING WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
Morris Builders, a second-generation owned business, is helping women in construction shatter glass ceilings and shutter stereotypes as they build careers and make strides in the construction industry.
“Our company is big on DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion). We are big on minorities having a seat at the table… Our goal is to help women-owned, minority-owned, especially our African American firms, to have a seat at the table,” he said.
Like his mother who dedicated her life to the industry, Morris said Women in Construction are leaving their mark and inspiring the next generation.
“Let’s empower more women to create a bright future in this dynamic field,” said Morris, adding that his company has acknowledged the trailblazer women in his organization.
Morris’s legacy has indelibly been shaped by his role as an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, business coach, and operations\management\contract negotiator.
“I’m a firm believer in giving back, especially as an ASU alumni. I am committed to using my platform to inspire others and to make a positive difference in the world,” Morris added.
ACCOLADES AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Morris sits on several boards: the National Specialty Contractors Council for the Associated General Contractors Association of America; president of the U.S. Minority Contractors National Association Board of Directors; Alabama Children's First Board; Better Business Bureau of Central & South Alabama; president of the Alabama Caspe chapter of the U.S. Minority Contractors Association; Prattville YMCA Emerging Leaders; River Region Pregnancy Center; and Tuskegee University Construction Science and Management Industry Advisory Board.
He is the past chairman of the Autauga & Chilton Counties Habitat for Humanity Board. Additionally, he serves as the chairman of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; president of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc; Alpha Upsilon Lambda Chapter; and a member of Leadership Autauga, the Leadership Montgomery, and the U.S. Small Business Administration Emerging Leaders of Alabama.
Morris is also a member of DBE Association of Alabama; Alabama Road Builders Association; Alabama Subcontractors Association; Associated Builders & Contractors Association; Alabama Associated General Contractors Association; Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery Chamber of Commerce; Business Council of Alabama; and the Atlanta Business League. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a life member of Alabama State University National Alumni Association.
He was named Who’s Who Among America Colleges and Universities (2008), a 50 Under 50 Distinguished Alumni recipient from Alabama State University (2019), a Top 20 Under 40 Young Executive Leaders from Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce (2020), 40 Under 40 in Commercial Construction from Alabama Associated General Contractors Association (2021), Man of Excellence from Salute Selma Foundation (2024), a Legacy Leader Hall of Fame Inductee of the National Black College Foundation (2024), and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.