Austin, TX – Huston-Tillotson University President and CEO Dr. Melva K. Wallace has been named to the Austin Business Journal’s 2026 Power Players list, which recognizes individuals whose leadership and influence are helping shape Austin and their respective industries. Wallace joins fellow honorees including billionaire Robert F. Smith and actor Matthew McConaughey.
Published September 3, the annual list brings together leaders from across the region’s business, education, technology, philanthropy, civic and other sectors. The Austin Business Journal describes this year’s honorees as people who “wield significant influence on either an industry or the Austin area — often both.”
For Wallace, the recognition comes as Huston-Tillotson continues to strengthen its profile locally and nationally. As the seventh president and CEO of Austin’s first institution of higher education and the city’s only Historically Black College and University, Wallace has focused her presidency on expanding opportunities for students, strengthening philanthropic partnerships and positioning the 151-year-old institution for long-term growth.
“I am deeply honored to be included among so many individuals whose work is making a difference in Austin,” Wallace said. “But I also recognize that leadership is never the work of one person. This recognition reflects the collective work of the Huston-Tillotson University family — our students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, partners and supporters who believe in this institution and in the important role it continues to play in Austin and beyond.”
Wallace became HT’s seventh president and CEO in 2022 and is the second woman to lead the University. Her tenure has included increased fundraising, enrollment growth, expanded partnerships and investments in the University’s academic programs, facilities and student experience.
Her inclusion on the 2026 Power Players list also places an HBCU president among leaders from a broad cross-section of industries and organizations whose influence extends throughout one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
The complete 2026 Power Players list is available from the Austin Business Journal.
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.
