Born in Bristol, England, on 26 July 1886, Morgan was the first Principal of University College, Hull, from 1926 to 1935 before being appointed as McGill's Principal.
During his administration there was controversy over the attitude the University authorities should adopt towards the small but vocal group of socialist professors and students. He retired from the office in May 1937. He died 3 February 1972. Between the departure of Morgan and the arrival of L.W. Douglas, W.H. Britain, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, served as Acting Principal.