Lt. Col. Malikah Morgan was raised in Neptune, New Jersey, where her family has a long history of government and military service. Morgan received an Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship to Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After commissioning in 2005, Morgan attended the Military Intelligence Officer Basic course at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. She continued her education and received her master’s degree in Health Science with a concentration in Emergency and Disaster Management from Trident University in Cypress, California. In 2016, she continued her military education and graduated from the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, while simultaneously attending Central Michigan University where she earned a graduate certificate in Cybersecurity.
Morgan’s first assignment was as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Platoon Leader with 4th Brigade 1st Calvary Division at Fort Bliss, Texas. She deployed with her Soldiers in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) from October 2006 to January 2008. While deployed, Morgan became the Military Intelligence Company Executive Officer (XO). She was assigned to Aberdeen Proving Ground in June 2008 where she worked for the Army Evaluation Center as an evaluator testing intelligence systems. She later took command of the installation Headquarters Company from 2010 to 2012. After graduating in the top of her class at the Military Intelligence Captains Career Course, Morgan was assigned to the U.S. Army Pacific Command in Hawaii. She served as an Intelligence Battle Captain for a four-star command. Morgan later was then assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, to the 5th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, Field Artillery Unit where she served as the Intelligence Officer in Charge and the Collection Manager. After CGSC, Morgan went to work at the National Security Agency working for the Army Cryptologic Operations Center as the INSCOM Liaison Officer and European Desk Officer. She became joint qualified during her time with the Defense Programs Support Activity where she served as the brigade XO and Joint Operations Officer. She was later selected as the Professor of Military Science at her alma mater Morgan State University where she increased female participation by over 40%. After being recognized by the Secretary of the Army, Morgan was vetted to be the Under Secretary of the Army’s Military Assistant at the Pentagon. After leaving the Pentagon, she was selected to represent the Army as the Director of the National Security Agency’s Fellow. During the year, Morgan worked on various research projects, policy changes, and courses to strengthen her understanding of the agency and strategizing on a global scale. Morgan is currently preparing for her next assignment to the Defense Programs Support Activities as the Brigade Deputy Commander.
Her awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Iraqi Campaign Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, as well as Army Service and Overseas Service Ribbons.
Morgan and her husband have two children.
In addition to serving her country, Morgan also makes time to serve her community. While living in Hawaii she raised over $20,000 in scholarship funds for her sorority Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated, volunteered her time with Habitat for Humanity, and raised awareness for human trafficking victims throughout the Pacific. At Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Morgan coordinated events with the local senior center. She was an active volunteer coordinating Christmas events, pamper a senior night, and weekend cookouts. She continues to remain active in her current chapter in Maryland. Morgan has been a mentor both formally and informally to multiple cadets and mentees at Morgan State University ROTC and is an active member in the Alumni Association and Enhancement Team.
In 2017, Morgan was named the Army Soldier of the Year by the American Legion Auxiliary and recognized by the INSCOM Commander.
Morgan firmly believes that it is important to give back to the community you came from and the community you live in. Her husband holds seats on multiple boards throughout the city and is the president of their Homeowners Association. Morgan is an active member in her childrens' school activities and sports leagues. She has aspiration of holding public office after retirement.