Huston-Tillotson University

Huston-Tillotson University, established in 1875, holds the distinct honor of being Austin, Texas's first institution of higher learning. As a private historically Black university (HBCU), HT offers a vibrant and supportive academic environment deeply rooted in a legacy of empowerment and progress. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund, the university stands as a testament to educational opportunity and community building.

The university's rich history began with the merger of two influential schools: Tillotson College and Samuel Huston College, which officially united in 1952. Before the merger, both institutions played crucial roles in educating African American students, with Samuel Huston College notably hosting baseball legend Jackie Robinson as its athletic director and basketball coach in the mid-1940s. This commitment to fostering talent and leadership continues today, building on over 150 years of foundational work.

Academically, Huston-Tillotson provides a comprehensive range of bachelor's degrees across business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, science, and technology. For those seeking advanced studies, the university also offers a master's degree in educational leadership, alongside alternative teacher certification programs and specialized academic tracks for undergraduates aspiring to post-graduate degrees in law and medicine. With a close-knit student body of 1,160, HT focuses on developing well-rounded graduates prepared to make significant contributions to their professions and communities.

A recent landmark event further underscores the university's promising future: a transformative $150 million donation in 2025. This historic gift, the largest in Huston-Tillotson's history and among the largest ever received by an HBCU, reflects a strong belief in the university's mission and its continued impact on shaping future generations of leaders and innovators.