Austin, TX – Huston-Tillotson University (HT Athletics is expanding opportunities for student-athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness through a new partnership with Influxer, a platform specializing in personalized, officially licensed collegiate merchandise.
Through the partnership, HT student-athletes can earn income from sales of apparel and merchandise featuring their name, number and likeness. Family members, friends, alumni and fans can purchase merchandise through individual student-athlete storefronts, with participating athletes receiving monthly royalty payments based on sales.
“This partnership gives our student-athletes a practical way to benefit from their personal brands while they are competing and earning their degrees at Huston-Tillotson,” said Vincent D. Robinson, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “Just as importantly, it gives our alumni, families and fans another way to support our student-athletes directly. We want every Ram to have access to meaningful NIL opportunities, regardless of sport.”
Influxer will manage the online storefronts, merchandise design, manufacturing, order fulfillment, customer service and royalty payments, allowing HT Athletics to provide the opportunity without an upfront cost to the University.
HT will also receive an 8% royalty on official University merchandise sold through the Influxer platform. The revenue will help enhance the student-athlete experience and support the continued growth of Ram Athletics.
The partnership also represents another tool for recruiting and retaining student-athletes as the University continues to strengthen its athletics program.
“NIL opportunities have changed the landscape of college athletics, and institutions like HT must make sure our student-athletes have opportunities to participate in that changing environment,” said Dr. Kenneth R. Crawford Jr., Chief Operating Officer. “This partnership allows our students to build their brands, earn additional income and learn the value of turning their visibility into opportunity — while giving HT another way to invest in the growth of our athletics program.”
The partnership extends NIL opportunities across HT sports while requiring minimal administrative oversight from the University. It also expands the availability of official HT Athletics merchandise and provides greater visibility for Ram student-athletes and teams.
For a growing HBCU athletics program, Robinson said the partnership is another step toward providing student-athletes with resources that support their success on and off the field. “This is about giving our student-athletes another avenue to benefit from their hard work, dedication and the pride they bring to Huston-Tillotson University,” he added.
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 remains committed to its legacy of educating a mosaic community of learners while cultivating innovative leaders who are dedicated to academic excellence and service. 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.
