Huston-Tillotson Receives Historic $150 Million Gift

A Moment of Magic and Hope at Huston-Tillotson University

In a small but packed chapel on the hilltop of Huston-Tillotson University, President Melva Wallace delivered a speech that left the audience in a standing ovation. This rare moment of unity and support marked a significant milestone for the institution, as it received a transformative $150 million gift from the Moody Foundation.

Wallace began her address with a powerful message of hope. She shared how she first encountered the word "Abracadabra" at the age of eight, explaining its meaning as "I will create as I speak." The crowd echoed the phrase, symbolizing their collective commitment to shaping the future through their actions and words.

The Moody Foundation's generous donation is the largest single gift ever given to an historically Black college or university (HBCU). This contribution will be used to fund student-centered initiatives, capital projects, and establish endowments for scholarships. The funds will also support the construction of new facilities, including student housing, academic centers, a new arena, and research labs.

Huston-Tillotson University, Austin's first higher education institution and its only HBCU, has long been dedicated to providing quality education to its students. With a vision of creating a connected world where diversity of thought matters, the university aims to educate leaders who possess knowledge, passion, and values.

Since President Wallace took office in 2022, the university has made significant strides. It ranked ninth nationally for top performers on social mobility by U.S. News and World Report and was recognized as the top private HBCU in Texas. In the past year, the university announced plans to expand to California, held its inaugural Artificial Intelligence Conference, and recorded its highest traditional undergraduate enrollment in 10 years.

The "transformative" donation will enable Huston-Tillotson to serve more students and meet growing needs, from scholarships to research labs to improved campus housing and classrooms. Wallace emphasized that this gift also signals to the broader community that Huston-Tillotson is here to stay, especially as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Ross Moody, a trustee of the Moody Foundation, shared his admiration for the university's vision and leadership. He mentioned that the foundation had previously provided about $1.3 million to Huston-Tillotson since 1968. When approached about the university's needs and goals, the trustees were inspired by the potential they saw and wanted to catalyze further growth.

"We felt called to do something extraordinary for this extraordinary school," Moody said. "We believe in you. We believe in all of you, and we are proud to make a historic gift to Huston-Tillotson University."

The Moody Foundation has committed to donating $1 billion over the next decade to transform education by 2035. Elle Moody, a trustee and senior vice president of the foundation, hopes this gift will inspire others in the community to invest in Huston-Tillotson.

"The quickest and best and most impactful way to transform lives is directly through the students," Elle Moody said.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the university's role in the city's future and highlighted the importance of the gift in bolstering diversity and strength. He noted that the community has experienced a decline in African American residents in recent years, and this investment will help people feel they belong and find a home in Austin.

"This gift will help people feel they belong and find a home here, and then they would be in position to belong once they graduated, because they would be able to get key positions in the city," Watson said.

Wallace expressed excitement about the opportunities ahead, stating that the university will be "faster now than ever" in starting projects. She mentioned that she can now approach architects and say, "Let's go."

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton also applauded the historic investment in a special-made video to the Huston-Tillotson campus. He thanked the Moody Foundation and the leaders who will lead the transformation, emphasizing that the gift will open doors of opportunity for more students and prepare them for successful lives of leadership.

As Huston-Tillotson University moves forward, the impact of this generous donation will be felt not only within the campus but also throughout the community and beyond. The university's journey reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the power of education to transform lives.