Huston-Tillotson University

Est. 1875
Austin, TX

UNCF Member Institution
Transformation Partner since 2016


Motto: “In union, strength”
Website: htu.edu

We won’t be the quiet school here in Austin. We will find ourselves in places where we can partner and really expand our wings.

Dr. Melva K. Williams President, Huston-Tillotson University

Huston-Tillotson College was formed by the merger of Samuel Huston College and Tillotson College, effective on October 24, 1952. As a historically Black institution, Huston-Tillotson University’s mission is to provide academic achievement opportunities to a diverse population with an emphasis on academic excellence, spiritual and ethical development, civic engagement and leadership in a nurturing environment.

Huston-Tillotson University is a leader in the education of diverse populations. We empower students for success in a global society as critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and ethical citizens.

Huston –Tillotson focused on three career readiness competencies through its transformation work: critical thinking, professionalism, and communication. The Summer Bridge Program developed through this work will continue in perpetuity with multiple tracks for students. HTU has also made personality assessments and career search training a permanent part of the program, enabling students to hold more dynamic conversations with mentors on their journey to matriculation and career success.

Faculty at HTU implemented curriculum enhancements within their classrooms to enhance student career success. This includes assessing competencies, especially in first-year experience courses, which now include stronger communications and critical thinking assessments.

Facilitated through the Institute for Capacity Building, the institution is now a UNCF cohort member in the HBCU Transformation Project, a first-of-its-kind effort to improve student enrollment, graduate success and institutional effectiveness rates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

I fulfill the promise of Black higher education by leading the institutional transformation work through the UNCF/McKinsey/Blue Meridian Partners work to strengthen the institution across functional areas to help drive long-term growth and sustainability.

Dr. Karen Magid
Chief of Staff & Clerk of the Board, Huston-Tillotson University
An Online Hub for Learning and Community Building

An Online Hub for Learning and Community Building

The United Negro College Fund is launching a new online learning platform where HBCU students and scholars at different institutions across the country can learn and connect.

Anthology Works to Strengthen Network for HBCUs

Anthology Works to Strengthen Network for HBCUs

Supporting student success outcomes requires a culture of data fluency. ICB and Anthology partner on HBCU Data and Analytics Credential.

Black Educators and Leaders Gather in Atlanta for UNCF’s UNITE 2022

Black Educators and Leaders Gather in Atlanta for UNCF’s UNITE 2022

UNCF convened for UNITE 2022, the organization’s summit for students, educators and professional stakeholders at HBCUs.

Coming Together for HBCU Student Success Excellence

Coming Together for HBCU Student Success Excellence

UNCF and InsideTrack partners to help students return to school in the midst of the pandemic. A new case study reveals lessons learned.

Dr. Rochelle Ford Named Next President of Dillard University

Dr. Rochelle Ford Named Next President of Dillard University

Dr. Ford will become the next president of Dillard University, a historically Black university in New Orleans. Ford is currently the dean of Elon University's School of Communications.

Forgotten Leaders – How HBCUs and PBIs Can Amplify Black Women’s Roles in Social Justice Movements

Forgotten Leaders – How HBCUs and PBIs Can Amplify Black Women’s Roles in Social Justice Movements

UNCF’s Executive Leadership Institute gatherings, focused on how HBCUs and PBIs can support women advocates by putting more women in positions of leadership.

Good News for HBCUs

Good News for HBCUs

For decades, Black colleges have been portrayed as deficient. What changed?

Growing Capacity to Leverage Big Data is Advancing Equity in Higher Education; UNCF and Excelencia in Education Continue to Lead the Way 

Growing Capacity to Leverage Big Data is Advancing Equity in Higher Education; UNCF and Excelencia in Education Continue to Lead the Way 

Today, we announced the successful conclusion of Leveraging Big Data to Achieve Equity, an initiative designed to enhance research capabilities at HBCUs and HSIs.

HBCU aims to achieve its goal of enrolling 10,000 students well ahead of schedule

HBCU aims to achieve its goal of enrolling 10,000 students well ahead of schedule

Morgan State University has announced historic enrollment figures for a second consecutive year.

HBCU Transformation Project Launched with $60 Million

HBCU Transformation Project Launched with $60 Million

The HBCU Transformation Project aims to increase HBCU health and sustainability, improve student outcomes in retention and graduation rates, expand enrollment, and bolster capacity building with faculty and staff.

ICB and Partners Reflect on Career Pathways Initiative

ICB and Partners Reflect on Career Pathways Initiative

UNCF and partners reflected on the successes of the Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) funded by a $50 million Lilly Endowment investment that helps HBCUs and PBIs strengthen institutional career placement outcomes.

Innovative Partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions

Innovative Partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions

CDFIs like Reinvestment Fund are positioned to connect the dots between community partners, financial institutions and policymakers to help drive healthy and equitable communities.