Benjamin Mays 6th President of Morehouse College In office August 1, 1940 (1940-08-01) – July 1, 1967 (1967-07-01) Preceded by Charles D. Hubert As Acting President Succeeded by Hugh Morris Gloster 1st Dean of the School of Religion at Howard University In office January 1, 1934 – January 3, 1940 Preceded by Position established Succeeded by John Moore Personal details Born Benjamin Elijah Mays (1894-08-01)August 1, 1894 Ninety Six, South Carolina, U.S. Died March 28, 1984(1984-03-28) (aged 89) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Resting place Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Memorial Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Political party Democratic Spouse(s) Ellen Harvin (m. 1920–1923) Sadie Gray (m. 1926–1969) Parents Louvenia Carter Mays Hezekiah Mays Alma mater Bates College University of Chicago Known for Civil rights activism Nickname(s) "Bennie"; "Buck Bennie"