Austin, Texas — The Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE) Higher Education and Research Commission has selected Dr. Melva K. Wallace, president of Huston-Tillotson University, as the inaugural recipient of the College/University President of the Year Award.
The award recognizes a college or university president who demonstrates effective leadership, advances student success and strengthens institutional impact.
Wallace will be recognized during the TABSE Awards Gala on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 8:15 p.m., at the Omni Las Colinas in Irving, Texas.
Under Wallace’s leadership, Huston-Tillotson University has expanded partnerships, increased investment in campus infrastructure and strengthened engagement with industry and community organizations. Her work has focused on academic growth, operational improvement and student opportunity.
“I am honored to be the first recipient of this prestigious award,” Wallace said. “I want to thank TABSE for recognizing not just me, but the collective efforts of our faculty, staff, students and supporters to advance HT’s mission.”
TABSE leaders noted Wallace’s commitment to collaboration across educational sectors and her support for initiatives that connect higher education with K-12 systems and community stakeholders.
For more information about TABSE, visit www.tabse.net.
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.
