Today Huston-Tillotson University (HT) announced it has received a transformative $150 million donation from the Moody Foundation. This is the largest single donation ever made to a 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.
“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 has a strong, long-standing relationship with and commitment to Huston-Tillotson University, with contributions totaling over $1.3 million since 1968. This $150 million gift is not an isolated act of generosity—it is a culmination of a relationship spanning over 50 years and a reflection of the Moody Foundation’s unparalleled $1 billion commitment to education in Texas.
“Our commitment to the future of Texas education is at the core of our Foundation and fundamental to this gift,” said Elle Moody, Trustee and Senior Vice President of the Moody Foundation. “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, and located in the heart of Austin, Huston-Tillotson has played a pivotal role in the educational, cultural, and civic fabric of Central Texas. With this unprecedented gift, the university is poised to accelerate its strategic plan and master vision, reaffirming its place as a national HBCU leader and a vibrant anchor in Austin.
“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,” said Rev. Dr. Vanessa Monroe, Board Chair. “It’s an inflection point in our history and a powerful statement about the value of Huston-Tillotson in shaping the future of students and their families for generations to come.”
About Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University, the first institution of higher education in Austin, Texas, has roots dating back to 1875. Huston-Tillotson University is an independent, church-related, historically Black, four-year liberal arts institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown in East Austin. Huston-Tillotson University’s mission is to nurture a legacy of leadership and excellence in education, connecting knowledge, power, passion, and values. The University offers associate and master’s degrees in addition to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 19 areas of study. Huston-Tillotson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
About The Moody Foundation
Based in Galveston, Texas, the Moody Foundation has funded projects and programs that better communities in the arts, education, environment, health, and social services across Texas since 1942. As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen the future of the state, the Foundation pledged $1 billion to transform education in Texas by 2035. The initiative will fund education institutions, nonprofits, and programs whose work aligns with the Foundation’s strategic priorities of early learning and postsecondary success.
