Austin, Texas — Huston-Tillotson University will receive a portion of a $4 million distribution approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) to support the 11 United Methodist-related historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Approved during the board’s April meeting in Nairobi, the one-time allocation will be distributed evenly among the institutions. The funding comes as HBCUs navigate reduced church apportionment support and broader challenges impacting higher education.
“This funding stems from our commitment to educational access and leadership formation at United Methodist-related historically Black colleges and universities,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary for Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries. “While we hope the funds will help our institutions, it’s not just about money. This is about supporting education at HBCUs at a critical time.”
Huston-Tillotson, Austin’s only HBCU and a United Methodist-affiliated institution, will use the funds to support student access and institutional priorities aligned with its mission.
“We are grateful to the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry for this investment and for its continued commitment to United Methodist-related HBCUs,” said Melva K. Wallace, president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University. “This support allows us to stay focused on what matters—ensuring access, holding our students to a high standard, and preparing graduates who are equipped to lead and produce.”
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.
