Austin, Texas – Huston-Tillotson University is proud to announce the launch of a new course, Cultural and Historic Preservation, beginning in Spring 2026. The class is designed to equip students with a working knowledge of cultural and historic preservation, with a focus on implementing these practices in their own communities. The course is generously funded by the East Austin Conservancy. The idea for the course was developed by board members of Preservation Austin and enthusiastically embraced by East Austin Conservancy and Huston-Tillotson faculty when approached with the proposal.
The course will be taught by Mueni Loko Rudd, an Adjunct Professor at Huston-Tillotson since 2022. Professor Rudd has taught a range of courses, including Animals & Society, Conflict Resolution, Methods of Social Work, and Field Placement. She is recognized as a community champion, cultural preservationist, scholar advocate and Preservation Austin board member. Rudd will be supported by a dynamic group of professional guest speakers offering expertise in storytelling, preservation practices across professional settings, and requirements for historic designations. Students will explore cultural landscapes, community preservation, and the intersection of preservation with equity and inclusion.
East Austin Conservancy will provide funding for the course as part of a multi-faceted partnership with Huston-Tillotson, Preservation Austin, and preservation professionals from across the region. Together, these partners will offer students a broad yet meaningful overview of cultural heritage and historic preservation. The funding will allow the University to offer three courses during the 2026 Spring, Summer and Fall semesters.
“We are so honored and excited to work with HT to offer this important coursework,” said Catalina Berry, Executive Director of the East Austin Conservancy. “Connecting students to their heritage and providing the educational tools they need to protect what makes their communities special dovetails perfectly with EAC’s mission to preserve the people, history, and culture of East Austin.”
“This collaboration offers our students both a new curriculum and an unbelievable opportunity to engage with professionals in the preservation and cultural heritage community,” said Mueni Rudd, Adjunct Professor at Huston-Tillotson University. “Students will gain knowledge that helps them connect with their heritage and learn how the built environment plays a role in their stories.”
The course is open to undergraduate students across the Departments of History and Sociology. The curriculum will include fieldwork, guest lectures, and professional partnerships designed to deepen the learning experience.
About Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University, the first institution of higher education 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. Huston-Tillotson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. HT is also an NC-SARA school. For more information, please visit www.htu.edu.
About Preservation Austin
Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. Our goal is to create a future where historic places play a meaningful role in everyone’s life, inspiring all Austinites to become advocates for preservation. Programs like our Homes Tour and Matching Grants Program get right to the heart of our mission—promoting what makes Austin unique and giving everyone a chance to participate in preserving our shared history. For more information, please visit preservationaustin.org and follow @preservationaustin on Instagram and Facebook, and @PreservationAtx on X/Twitter.
About East Austin Conservancy
East Austin Conservancy works to preserve the people, history, and culture of East Central Austin. We do this primarily by providing financial assistance for property taxes to long-time homeowners, helping legacy residents remain in their homes and age in place with dignity and less stress. Beyond housing support, EAC offers wrap-around services that strengthen families and sustain community roots. EAC also invests in beloved public spaces like Parque Zaragoza, ensuring this historic treasure continues to thrive as a place for connection, recreation, and cultural celebration for generations to come. For more information, please visit www.eacatx.org and follow @eacatx on Instagram
