Austin, TX – In a unanimous vote reflecting its confidence in both President Melva K. Wallace and the future of Huston-Tillotson University, the Board of Trustees has approved a 10-year contract extension for the University’s seventh president and chief executive officer.
The historic action, taken during the Board’s July meeting, extends Wallace’s leadership through 2036 and marks the first 10-year contract extension ever awarded to a Huston-Tillotson University president. The Board’s decision reflects its support of the University’s strategic direction as it advances its vision of moving from being the first institution of higher education in Austin to becoming the foremost.
Board Chair David L. Godsey said the extension recognizes Wallace’s record of measurable progress and her vision for the University’s future. He noted that the Board’s unanimous vote reflects its confidence in her leadership and in the momentum the institution has built under her administration.
“President Wallace has an incredible work ethic to match her extraordinary vision. She arrived on campus proclaiming, ‘We’re going from first to foremost!’ Without the benefit of advance knowledge of the University’s existing challenges, she relied on her faith, her love for students and a work ethic equal to her vision. She immediately went to work developing a master plan, building relationships and laying the foundation for the transformational progress we are seeing today, including the historic gift from the Moody Foundation. Over the next 10 years, she will play a pivotal role in carrying out that master plan while continuing to surprise us with the kind of accomplishments that only visionary leaders achieve,” Godsey said.
“A 10-year contract extension reflects the Board of Trustees’ complete confidence in Dr. Wallace’s ability to lead Huston-Tillotson University toward becoming one of the nation’s most respected HBCUs. Her extraordinary ability to raise support for the University is matched only by her unwavering commitment to our students. She challenges them to achieve the highest standards of academic and personal excellence while creating opportunities in artificial intelligence, science, entrepreneurship and professional networking that prepare them to compete in a global economy. Those efforts not only benefit our students but also continue to elevate the University’s profile and national standing,” he added.
Trustee Eric Starkloff said Wallace’s leadership has been marked by innovation, ambition and an ability to inspire others. She is constantly innovating—trying new things, pushing boundaries and exploring new opportunities. She has boundless ambition for the University. She sets audacious goals, achieves them and encourages those around her to think big. People respond to her leadership. She builds excitement and loyalty to Huston-Tillotson.
“Looking ahead, I believe President Wallace can transform HT into a preeminent institution of higher learning in Texas and across the nation while elevating the student experience through world-class faculty and facilities. These goals, and many more, are outlined in our 10-year strategic plan, which President Wallace led.”
In response to the action, Wallace said, “It is both humbling and gratifying to know that the Board of Trustees has placed its confidence in my leadership and believes in the direction we are heading as an institution.”
“This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to an exceptional leadership team, our dedicated faculty and staff, our alumni, our students, our trustees, our generous donors and supporters, and every member of the HT family. Without their commitment, partnership and belief in our mission, none of what we have accomplished over the past four years would have been possible.”
“Four years ago, I accepted the privilege of leading Huston-Tillotson University with a vision for what we could accomplish together. As I begin this next decade of service, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose and an even greater commitment to our students and this extraordinary University. I remain focused on the vision that has guided us from the beginning—to move Huston-Tillotson from being the first institution of higher education in Austin to the foremost. I look forward to building that future together with our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, students, donors and community partners,” she said.
The Board’s action ensures leadership continuity as Huston-Tillotson builds on the momentum of the past four years. With a shared commitment to student success, academic excellence and strategic growth, University leaders say the work of moving HT from first to foremost is only beginning.
Click here for photos of Dr. Melva K. Wallace
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.
