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Inauguration of Huston-Tillotson President Celebrates Female Leadership and Women’s History Month

AUSTIN, Texas – With a nod to Women’s History Month and as a special way of paying homage to the all-female leadership of Huston-Tillotson University (HT), President and CEO, Melva K. Williams, decided to hold her upcoming inauguration during the week of March 19 – 21.

“From all indications, this is the first time that the chair and co-chair of the university’s governing board, the university president, the faculty senate president and the student government association president have all been female,” said Williams, who was named 7th president and CEO in August.  Members of the leadership team are Carol McDonald, Rev. Vanessa Monroe, Williams, Dr. Amanda Masino and Maia Davenport, respectively.

“I am excited to share this career milestone with all women in leadership, especially those affiliated with HT. This is a true testament that women are capable, powerful and transformational in leadership positions,” Williams added.

The investiture ceremony is slated for Friday, March 24th at 10 a.m. at the Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, located at 4301 Tannehill Lane in Austin. Culminating the weeklong celebration will be the ticketed President’s Golden Gala, scheduled for Saturday, March 25th at 7 p.m. at the J. W. Marriott Austin.

A global ecumenical worship service on the 19th at 10 .m. and hosted by All Family Church on Zoom, will kick off the week. To access the service, use Zoom and enter ID 890 2321 8676 Passcode: 354654.

The weeklong slate of activities, hosted by faculty and students, will celebrate the rich history of HT, Austin’s first institution of higher education and its only historically and predominantly black university, showcase the leading-edge research conducted by faculty, illuminate black entrepreneurship, and highlight the contributions of women in today’s society.

To view the full list of activities and/or to purchase gala tickets, please visit the university’s website at https:///ht-inauguration.com/. For more information, contact Dr. Autumn Caviness, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at adcaviness@htu.edu or 512.505.6447.

About Huston-Tillotson University

Huston-Tillotson University, the oldest institution of learning in Austin, Texas, has roots dating back to 1875. HT 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.

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