Huston-Tillotson University Receives Historic $150 Million Gift from the Moody Foundation During the University Sesquicentennial
Largest Single Gift to a Private HBCU in History
Today Huston-Tillotson University (HT) announced it has received a transformative $150 million donation from the Moody Foundation. This is the largest single donation made to a private Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States. The historic announcement was made during the university’s annual President’s Fall Opening Convocation, marking a bold new chapter in Huston-Tillotson’s 150-year legacy as Austin’s first institution of higher education.
“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.”
This historic gift from the Moody Foundation will signal a new era of transformation for Huston-Tillotson, establishing the university as a national leader among HBCUs and higher education institutions. The gift – focused on students – will enable Huston-Tillotson to 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. In addition to focusing on student living, academic spaces, innovative scholarships, and a series of endowments, the gift includes professional support for Huston-Tillotson’s strategy, culture, marketing, and development infrastructure to help the university elevate its profile and expand its reach.