Austin, Texas, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, has been awarded a landmark donation of $150 million from the Moody Foundation, the largest single gift ever to an HBCU in the U.S. Announced during the university’s 150th anniversary convocation, this funding will aid scholarships, improve facilities, and enhance student living conditions. The contribution is part of a $1 billion commitment from the Moody Foundation aimed at transforming education in Texas by 2035, showing a deep dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion in higher education.
Austin, Texas—Historic Donation Transforming Education
Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, has received a remarkable donation of $150 million from the Moody Foundation, marking the largest single gift ever awarded to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States. This donation was announced during the university’s opening convocation, coinciding with the institution’s 150th anniversary.
The Moody Foundation’s contribution is part of a broader $1 billion pledge aimed at transforming education in Texas by 2035. The funding will support various initiatives including scholarship aid, enhancements to academic facilities, improvements to student living conditions, and endowments, significantly aiming to ensure Huston-Tillotson’s success for years to come.
This generous gift is expected to completely transform Huston-Tillotson University, which holds a unique position as the first institution of higher learning in Austin and the only HBCU in the area. Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson, expressed profound gratitude towards the Moody Foundation for their ongoing support. Since 1968, the Moody Foundation has donated over $1.3 million to Huston-Tillotson, highlighting a long-standing relationship dedicated to educational advancement.
Details of the Donation
The Moody Foundation initially considered providing a gift of $130 million, but after recognizing Huston-Tillotson’s vision and potential, they increased their contribution to $150 million. Ross Moody, a trustee of the foundation, expressed enthusiasm for being part of the university’s future and hopes this donation will serve as a catalyst for transformative changes.
Huston-Tillotson University currently has over 1,059 students enrolled and provides a variety of undergraduate and master’s degree programs. Recently acknowledged as the best private HBCU in Texas, Huston-Tillotson ranks 15th nationally among HBCUs, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence.
Support for HBCUs
This historic donation occurs amid a broader increase in financial support for HBCUs amid shifting federal funding and a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion programs. The Moody Foundation, a nonprofit based in Galveston, Texas, has emphasized the importance of education as a force for change and is committed to aiding institutions like Huston-Tillotson in realizing their missions. Linda Y. Jackson, the university’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement, has highlighted the resilience exhibited by the institution through historical challenges, emphasizing the dreams and aspirations of its students.
Dr. Wallace has called for more philanthropists to take inspiration from the Moodys’ commitment to supporting HBCUs, underscoring the critical role that such donations play in advancing educational opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Conclusion
The Moody Foundation’s transformative gift is not just a financial contribution; it represents a significant step toward elevated educational experiences for Huston-Tillotson students, potentially setting a benchmark for future investments in HBCU institutions nationwide.
FAQ Section
What is the significance of the $150 million donation to Huston-Tillotson University?
The donation marks the largest single gift ever given to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States.
What areas will the donation from the Moody Foundation support?
Scholarship support, academic space enhancements, student living improvements, and endowments are among the areas that will be funded by this donation.
What is the Moody Foundation’s broader pledge regarding education in Texas?
The donation is part of the Moody Foundation’s $1 billion pledge to transform education in Texas by 2035.
How has the Moody Foundation previously supported Huston-Tillotson University?
The Moody Foundation has previously donated over $1.3 million to Huston-Tillotson since their relationship began in 1968.
What are Huston-Tillotson University’s current enrollment and recognition?
The university has over 1,059 students enrolled this semester and was recently recognized as the best private HBCU in Texas and ranks 15th in the nation among HBCUs.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Donation Amount | $150 million |
| Significance | Largest single gift to an HBCU in the U.S. |
| Purpose of Donation | Scholarship support, facility enhancements, living condition improvements, endowments |
| University Enrollment | 1,059 students this semester |
| Accolades | Best private HBCU in Texas, 15th in the nation |
| Moody Foundation’s Pledge | $1 billion to transform education in Texas by 2035 |
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Additional Resources
- CNN
- Wikipedia: Huston-Tillotson University
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Search: Moody Foundation donation to Huston-Tillotson University
- KVUE
- Google Scholar: HBCU donations
- KXAN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- MSN
- Google News: Huston Tillotson University Moody Foundation donation
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