Huston-Tillotson University, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Austin, has received a $150 million grant from the Moody Foundation. The university confirmed the donation, which stands as the largest single gift ever awarded to an HBCU in the United States, during its annual convocation event.
Key Takeaways
- Huston-Tillotson University was awarded a $150 million grant by the Moody Foundation.
- This represents the largest single donation ever made to a Historically Black College or University in the U.S.
- The funds are designated for student housing, academic facilities, scholarships, and endowments.
- The grant will support the university's strategic plan and its campus master plan for future development.
A Historic Donation for a Texas HBCU
Huston-Tillotson University announced the landmark $150 million grant on Thursday during its President’s Fall Opening Convocation. University officials described the funding as a pivotal moment that will launch a “bold new chapter” for the institution, which is celebrating its 150-year history.
The contribution from the Moody Foundation sets a new national record for philanthropic support to an HBCU. The funds are intended to secure the university's future and enhance its ability to serve students for generations to come.
“This gift is a testament to faith, prayer, and the genuine belief in the goodness of others,” said Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University. “I am forever grateful to the Moody Foundation trustees Ross Moody, Elle Moody, and Francie Moody-Dahlberg. Their donation will completely transform Huston-Tillotson, as well as the city of Austin, and set us up for success for another 150 years.”
The Significance of HBCUs
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the primary mission of educating Black Americans. Today, they continue to play a crucial role in higher education, often serving as engines of economic mobility for minority and low-income students. Large-scale donations are vital for these institutions to upgrade facilities, expand programs, and provide competitive financial aid.
Strategic Allocation of Funds
According to a statement from the university, the grant is primarily focused on student-centric initiatives. The funds will be allocated across several key areas to directly improve the student experience and bolster the university's long-term stability and growth.
The financial support will directly address critical needs identified in the university's strategic and master plans. This ensures the donation has a structured and lasting impact on the campus community.
Key Investment Areas
The university has outlined several specific uses for the $150 million grant:
- Student Living: Upgrading and expanding on-campus housing facilities.
- Academic Spaces: Modernizing classrooms, labs, and other learning environments.
- Innovative Scholarships: Creating new scholarship programs to reduce student debt and improve access.
- Endowments: Establishing a series of endowments to provide a permanent source of funding for the university.
In addition to these capital projects, a portion of the funds will provide professional support for Huston-Tillotson’s strategic, cultural, and marketing infrastructure. This investment is designed to help the university elevate its public profile and expand its national reach.
Moody Foundation's Commitment
The Moody Foundation is a Texas-based charitable organization that provides grants to non-profits across the state. The foundation has publicly pledged to contribute one billion dollars to education in Texas by the year 2035.
A Vision for the Future
The Moody Foundation expressed its confidence in the university's leadership and its vision for the future. The grant is intended not just as a financial contribution but as a catalyst for broader transformation.
“We hope this gift, focused on the students, can become a catalyst, a spark, the beginning of something transformative for students, this city, and the future of Huston-Tillotson,” stated Ross Moody, a Trustee of the Moody Foundation. “We believe in the vision of Huston-Tillotson and the extraordinary leadership of Dr. Wallace and the board.”
Moody also highlighted his family's historical connection to the university and expressed excitement about participating in its future endeavors. This long-term partnership approach is central to the foundation's philanthropic strategy.
Impact on Austin and Beyond
The effects of this historic grant are expected to extend beyond the Huston-Tillotson campus. As a key institution in East Austin, the university's growth and success are closely tied to the economic and cultural vitality of the city.
By enabling the university to expand its programs and improve its facilities, the grant will help attract and retain talent in Austin. It also strengthens the university's role as an anchor institution, contributing to local development and providing a skilled workforce for the region's growing economy.
Dr. Wallace acknowledged the foundation's significant commitment, noting that their support empowers the university to pursue its mission with greater resources and ambition. “To know now that we have the support and encouragement to just go forward even further is incredible,” she said.