Huston-Tillotson University, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), and a United Church of Christ affiliated university in Austin, Texas will receive a $150 million gift over the next 10 years, the single largest gift ever given to a HBCU.
In celebration of the university’s 150th anniversary, Ross Moody, trustee, and vice president of The Moody Foundation announced the charitable organization’s gift at the university’s opening convocation on Thursday, September 18. The donation comes on the heels of the Trump administration continuing to crack down on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public universities across the country. The president recently redirected nearly $500 million in federal funding to HBCUs, after cutting funding to Hispanic-serving colleges.
Dr. Melva K. Wallace, Huston-Tillotson’s President and CEO, said the gift will enable the university to undergo a ‘comprehensive transformation’ of campus space, focused on student living, academic spaces, and innovative scholarships.
“With this support, we not only strengthen Huston-Tillotson’s future—we also stand as a beacon for what is possible when HBCUs are fully resourced and empowered,” Wallace said in a statement to UCC News. “My hope is that this gift inspires similar investments across the HBCU landscape, ensuring that students everywhere can learn, lead, and thrive in environments that affirm their worth and expand their possibilities.”
Supporting students through uncertain times
The school, which is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, was founded in 1875 by George J. Tillotson, and chartered two years later as the Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute, with a goal of providing teacher training and quality education for Black Americans. The school was renamed Tillotson College in 1909 and officially recognized in 1931. Over the next two decades, the school merged with Samuel Huston College to form Huston-Tillotson College. The school adopted its current name in 2005.
“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,” Moody said in a written statement. “We believe in the vision of Huston-Tillotson and the extraordinary leadership of Dr. Wallace and the board. Our family has been part of the university’s past, but we are even more excited to be a part of its promising future.”
The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC General Minister and President/CEO said she’s excited for the university to receive this gift and to put the funds to good use, and to continue supporting students through unchartered times in society.
“My hope is that as this gift is received, that it will allow the university to continue the programming that it has been able to provide for students for many years,” Thompson said.
The foundation originally intended to gift the university $130 million, but stated it was moved to contribute more. It is also the largest gift the foundation has given in its 83-year history, according to its website.
Thompson said in light of rollbacks of funding intended for HBCUs the UCC will continue to develop its relationships with its affiliated institutions and to foster continuing conversations.
“The convening factor here is important, that our institutions are not alone,” Thompson said. “A part of the ability to convene and to bring people to the table is actually what’s going to be supportive in this moment.”
Content on ucc.org is copyrighted by the National Setting of the United Church of Christ and may be only shared according to the guidelines outlined here.
Categories:
United Church of Christ News
