Huston-Tillotson University receives $150M grant, largest single gift ever given to an HBCU

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Huston-Tillotson received what it called a “transformative” $150 million grant from the Moody Foundation — the largest single donation ever made to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States.

The university announced the grant funding at its annual President’s Fall Opening Convocation on Thursday, marking “a bold new chapter” in the university’s 150-year legacy.

“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.”

According to the university, the gift is focused toward students and will help Huston-Tillotson “deliver on their strategic plan, bring to life their master plan, and transform the university, while impacting current and future generations of students as well as the city of Austin.”

The money will go toward student living, academic spaces, innovative scholarships, and a series of endowments, per the university’s announcement. It also includes professional support for Huston-Tillotson’s strategy, culture, marketing and development infrastructure to “help the university elevate its profile and expand its reach,” a press release stated.

“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,” said Ross Moody, Trustee of the Moody Foundation. “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 Moody Foundation gives grants to nonprofits and organizations across the state and has pledged a billion dollars to Texas education by 2035.

“When they see an opportunity to help, they don’t just help a little bit, they go in and commit, and it is just incredible that you all would see what we see in this institution and what our board sees,” Wallace said. “And they are great contributors, but to know now that we have the support and encouragement to just go forward even further is incredible.”

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