UNCF Houston

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.”® Why not invest your time or money in better futures for young people in southern Texas, New Mexico and around the country?

UNCF Houston is here to help you send a student to college and turn his or her life around.

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2023 San Antonio Mayor’s Luncheon Recap

Event leaders and participants at the San Antonio Mayor's luncheon on stage togetherThe 13th Annual UNCF San Antonio Mayor’s Luncheon raised $183,288 and counting for HBCUs and college students!

The afternoon was full of inspirational moments from outstanding honorees that included Bank of America for its continuous support to UNCF and the San Antonio Community; and Brandon A. Logan, Chief Executive Offer of Urban Capital Partners, Inc. and Seymour Battle III, Senior Vice President Communications, Public Relations, and Engagement at Valero for their conscious community efforts and creatively sharing their stories in the “Living In My Skin” documentary. >>Read More


2023 UNCF Houston Youth Gala

The 24th Annual UNCF Youth Gala, held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, raised more than $65,000 to benefit UNCF’s member institutions, scholarships for low-income students and the seniors who attended the event. 1100 Greater Houston youth ages 13 -17 represented organizations like the Top Teens, Jack & Jill of America, National Women of Achievement, Inc., Knights of Peter Claver, and several local churches. >>Read More


​UNCF hosts 2022 “A Mind Is…” Gala, raising Vital Funds to Support HBCUs and local Houston Students

Dr. Lomax and four attendees pose together onstageThe 33rd annual “A Mind Is…” Gala was a smashing success, conducted November 19, 2022 at the Hilton Americas Hotel. The Gala raised $571,635 after returning to a live event for the first time since 2019. >>Read More


Join The Houston Inter-Alumni Council

Houston Alumni Council Invite GraphicWe are excited to welcome back the Houston Inter-Alumni Council of UNCF and the newly installed President, Necoya Tyson of Shaw University.

Did you attend a UNCF member institution or any other HBCU? Are you interested in supporting minority higher education?
If you answered yes to either, then the Houston Inter-Alumni Council is looking for you.

This group of alumni volunteer their time to advocate and champion on behalf of UNCF, HBCUs and the students they serve. We’re looking for new members to join and continue the charge for better futures.

Contact the UNCF Houston office for more information.


It was a great day!

Video created by TSU Student Marquis Walker

A Very Special Thanks to Our  Walk Sponsors and Friends: 

ABC 13, ABC alliantgroup, The Boeing Company, CenterPoint Energy, Charles Stewart, City of Houston, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Comcast Cable, Enterprise Holdings, ExxonMobil, Frenchy’s, Harris County Precinct 1, HBCU Alumni Association, H-E-B, Houston Leadership Council Members, hulu, Just In Time Photography, Marathon Petroleum Company, Mary Thompson, Methodist Cardiologist, Motiva, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Radio One, Shell USA Inc., Southern Sound & Lighting, Southwest Airlines, Shipley’s Donuts, and Waste Management.


Houston-Supported HBCUs Punch Above their Weight

The UNCF research report HBCUs Punching Above Their Weight makes a strong case for a powerful proposition: Given their small average size and a history of being under-resourced, the enrollment, degree and economic impacts of HBCUs on African Americans in their respective states are significantly greater than one would expect. >> Read More at UNCF.org/PATW.


News and Information


Did You Know?

Houston office's supported schools: Texas College, Jarvis Christian University, Wiley College, Huston-Tillotson University

UNCF Houston area office serves Southeast Texas (including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and the Golden Triangle) and New Mexico. UNCF’s 4 Texas member institutions include Huston-Tillotson University, Jarvis Christian University, Texas College and Wiley College. However, UNCF supports students at the four-year accredited school of their choosing and its 37-member institutions to keep their academic programs strong and their tuitions/fees affordable.


UNCF Houston 2022 – 2023 Leadership Council

Valentine A. Emesih, P.E. (Chair)
Vice President, Operational Technology & Markets
CenterPoint Energy
Time of Service: 2017

Benny Agosto, Jr., Partner
Law Office of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols,
Sorrels, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner
Time of Service: 2014

Michael Alvarez
President & CEO Diverse Supplier and Workforce
Solutions
Time of Service: 2012

Phil Dyson
Human Resources Manager
Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
Time of service: 2022

Byron Keith Ellis, M.D.
Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates
Time of Service: 2017

Denise Hall
Advisor, US D&I
Shell USA Inc.
Time of Service: 2022

Eric C. Hylton
National Director of Compliance
Alliantgroup
Time of Service: 2022

Bryce Hairston Kennard
External Affairs Manager
Comcast Cable
Time of Service: 2014

Kayla McCollum
VP, Asset & Wealth Management Division
Goldman Sachs
Time of Service: 2022

Anastasia “Stacy” Penright
Community Partnerships & Outreach Principal Management
Amazon Web Services
Time of Service: 2022

Nichelle Poindexter
Vice President, Membership
Greater Houston Partnership
Time of Service: 2020

Bruce J. Ruzinsky
Partner
Jackson Walker LLP
Time of Service: 2013

Victor Nivens
Vice President, HR
H-E-B
Time of Service: 2022

Deborah J. Wilson
Motor Fuel Tax Manager
Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Time of Service: 2022


UNCF Houston Staff