Moody Foundation Makes Landmark $150 Million Pledge to Huston-Tillotson University

Largest-Ever Gift to a Historically Black University Announced at 150th Anniversary

A groundbreaking moment for the higher education system and for racial equity has been Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas. For the first time, it received a monumental $150 million endowment, which has been considered the largest single donation to an African American college or university in the US. This historic endowment was announced during the university's convocation for its 150th anniversary, based on a landmark gift from The Moody Foundation, which constitutes a new, bold investment in the future of Black academic excellence. The news, brought by trustee and vice president Ross Moody, elicited deafening applause, citing the deep power this donation has to shape generations of scholars yet to come.

The gift comes as diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at public US universities are under constraints in the Trump administration. While Hispanic-serving institution grants have been cut, close to $500 million in federal dollars has recently been shifted to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Against this context, the Moody Foundation's donation is a powerful expression of philanthropy in education. Melva K. Wallace, president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University, called the donation "transformational." She said it would be a rocket booster for the growth of the university and would benefit students directly through scholarships, enhanced housing, and additional campus facilities. Wallace considered the gift to be a clear ratification of the university's mission and future.

The Moody Foundation, which has been assisting Huston-Tillotson for more than half a century, initially intended to give $130 million. But Ross Moody clarified that they were so convinced about the university's vision that they raised the amount. Elle Moody, Grants' senior vice president, further stated that the foundation wanted to send a strong message of support for Huston-Tillotson and its future 150 years.

It was established in 1875 by George J. Tillotson under the name Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute in order to train educators and give quality education to African Americans. Tillotson was renamed Tillotson College in 1909 and was granted four years of schooling in 1931. Tillotson merged with Samuel Huston College in 1952, and in 2005, it was named Huston-Tillotson University. Its current 23-acre campus houses 1,059 students. Linda Y. Jackson, vice president of institutional advancement, looked back on the 150 years of determination for the university: Even through segregation, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Black Lives Matter movement, there was never a distraction from achieving its vision: the fulfilment of "nothing but the dreams of students."

It was founded in 1942 by Libbie Shearn Moody and W.L. Moody Jr., and was formed to apply monetary resources so that the standard of living of individuals in Texas could be enhanced. W.L. Moody Jr., the founder of Moody National Bank, was engaged in business in banking, insurance, hotels, farms, and a newspaper enterprise. It is currently headed by Elle Moody, Ross Moody, and Frances Moody-Dahlberg collectively, and the foundation has granted aid to many Texas colleges, including Rice University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of North Texas.

Wallace praised the Moody family as "angels of change," thanking them for their continuous investment in education and for believing in Huston-Tillotson's future. She wished that their generosity could inspire others to support private universities in the US and contribute to the cause of higher education support. In addition, she invited the other philanthropists to equal or even surpass this support, remarking that HBCUs across America deserve this backing. The donation of $150 million surpasses an earlier record of $100 million to Spelman College in 2024. Wallace indicated her urge that Huston-Tillotson would not hold the title for too long because more support is needed across the industry. This historic university donation sets a new standard for philanthropy in education and renews hope for inclusive growth across US colleges and Texas universities.

Editor’s Note:

This story is more than a celebration of giving; it's a powerful reminder of what visionary philanthropy can do when buttressed by purpose and heritage. The Moody Foundation's $150 million gift to Huston-Tillotson University is not only the largest ever bestowed upon a historically Black college or university (HBCU); it's a courageous vote of confidence in the future of Black education, equity, and resilience. Today, efforts at diversity and inclusion in the United States are at odds. Such a gift is important here because it illustrates aid through private sources, even if federal priorities change. Federal resources up until recently were more focused on HBCUs, and there were cutbacks at Hispanic-serving colleges, further muddying the waters. But donations of this nature promise educational equity even if there are policy limits.

The gift was termed by President Melva K. Wallace as "transformational," and she's not exaggerating. Scholarships, housing, and development of the campus are concrete benefits, but the broader impact is in the message: Huston-Tillotson's mission, championing students' dreams, is of value and worth national recognition and investment.
The university has had a 150-year journey filled with segregation, civil rights struggles, and modern movements like Black Lives Matter. This moment is very important. It’s not just about money, it’s about being recognised, leaving a legacy, and believing in a better future. The Moody Foundation opted to increase its initial pledge from $130 million to $150 million. That demonstrates confidence in the leaders and plans of Huston-Tillotson and a hope of encouraging others to do the same. As Wallace aptly stated, she does not want this record to stand long. More HBCUs deserve assistance of this sort, and there ought to be more supporters inclined to contribute.

Skoobuzz believes that the donation will set an example and encourage other universities, other foundations, and anybody who believes education can bring us a more equitable and inclusive society.

FAQs

1. Which US university received a $150 million gift?
Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, received a $150 million donation from The Moody Foundation. It is the largest single gift ever given to a historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the United States.

2. What is Huston-Tillotson University known for?
Huston-Tillotson is known for its strong commitment to educating African American students. Founded in 1875, it has a long history of resilience and excellence, especially in teacher training and liberal arts education. It continues to support student dreams through scholarships and community engagement.

3. How do donations impact US universities?
Donations help universities grow and improve. They:

• Provide scholarships for students
• Fund new buildings and better housing
• Support research and teaching
• Strengthen student services and campus life

For smaller universities, large donations can be truly life-changing.

4. What are the largest gifts to American universities?
Some of the biggest donations include:

• $150 million to Huston-Tillotson University (2025)
• $100 million to Spelman College (2024)
• Over $1 billion pledged by Michael Bloomberg to Johns Hopkins University
• These gifts often support scholarships, research, and long-term development.

5. Why do donors give record donations to universities?
Donors give large gifts for many reasons:

• To support education and future generations
• To honour personal or family ties to a university
• To promote values like diversity and innovation
• To leave a lasting legacy and make a difference

Some donors also hope to inspire others to give generously.