Huston-Tillotson University Marks 150th Anniversary with $150 Million Moody Foundation Donation

Celebrating a Milestone: Huston-Tillotson University Receives a Landmark Gift

In a momentous announcement, Huston-Tillotson University (HT) proudly shared that it has been honored with a remarkable $150 million donation from the Moody Foundation. This donation is not only a significant contribution but stands as the largest single donation ever made to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States. The moment was commemorated during the university's President's Fall Opening Convocation, a perfect occasion to celebrate HT's 150-year legacy as Austin's first institution of higher education.

Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University, expressed her immense gratitude: "This gift is a testament to faith, prayer, and the genuine belief in the goodness of others. 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."

This unprecedented gift from the Moody Foundation signifies the beginning of a new chapter for Huston-Tillotson, aiming to establish the university as a national leader not only among HBCUs but within the broader landscape of higher education. The focus of this generous contribution is on improving student experiences, which will enable Huston-Tillotson to execute its strategic plan, realize its master plan, and foster a transformative impact that will resonate through generations.

With this funding, HT aims to enhance various areas, including student living conditions, academic environments, innovative scholarships, and a range of endowments. Additionally, this contribution allows for the provision of professional assistance in many key areas such as strategy development, cultural outreach, marketing efforts, and expansion initiatives. All these factors work towards amplifying the institution’s profile and reach.

Ross Moody, a Trustee of the Moody Foundation, remarked, "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. 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's relationship with Huston-Tillotson has been long-standing, contributing over $1.3 million since 1968. This $150 million gift is a remarkable culmination of a sincere commitment that spans more than five decades, reflecting the foundation's larger commitment to education in Texas, which totals over $1 billion.

Elle Moody, Trustee and Senior Vice President of the Moody Foundation, emphasized, "Our commitment to the future of Texas education is at the core of our Foundation and fundamental to this gift. We believe in the power of education and its impact on students, Huston-Tillotson, and Austin. Fueling student success is at the heart of the missions of both Huston-Tillotson and Moody Foundation. We are proud to support this historic institution and hope this gift can inspire others to join us in learning about Huston-Tillotson's immense contributions."

Founded in 1875, Huston-Tillotson University has significantly shaped the educational, cultural, and civic landscape of Central Texas. With this extraordinary gift, the university is set to accelerate its strategic development, reinforcing its status as a leading HBCU and a crucial component of Austin's educational ecosystem.

Rev. Dr. Vanessa Monroe, the Board Chair, called this gift a powerful statement about the value of Huston-Tillotson, declaring, "It's an inflection point in our history. This significant gift by the Moody Foundation is a declaration of belief in who we are, what we stand for, and what we can become."

As Huston-Tillotson University embarks on this new journey, it continues to inspire future generations, nurturing a legacy of leadership and excellence. The university offers a variety of degrees and proudly upholds its mission to connect knowledge, power, passion, and values within its community.

About Huston-Tillotson University

Huston-Tillotson University is an independent, historically Black institution that provides a liberal arts education. It is located on a picturesque 23-acre campus in East Austin. The university emphasizes nurturing competent leaders and fostering educational excellence across diverse fields. It offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees in various areas, supporting the holistic development of students.

About The Moody Foundation

The Moody Foundation has been a major contributor to Texas since 1942, funding numerous initiatives in education, the arts, and social services. The foundation's ongoing commitment, which includes a $1 billion pledge to transform education in Texas, highlights its belief in the long-term impact of quality education on communities statewide.

As Huston-Tillotson University prepares for its promising future, this momentous collaboration with the Moody Foundation marks the dawn of an exciting new era for the institution and its community.