Huston-Tillotson University

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Huston-Tillotson University Huston-Tillotson University is the only HBCU in Austin, Texas and Austin's oldest institution of higher learning! Discover more at www.htu.edu. Mary E. Matthew S.
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Huston-Tillotson University is affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). HT, in Austin, is a coeducational college of liberal arts and sciences, operating jointly under the auspices of the American Missionary Association of the United Church of Christ, and the Board of Education of The United Methodist Church. Huston-Tillotson College officially changed its name to Huston-Tillotson University on February 28, 2005. Huston-Tillotson College was formed by the merger of Samuel Huston College and Tillotson College, which was effective on October 24, 1952. Huston-Tillotson College remained primarily a black college after the merger, although there were no restrictions as to race. Huston-Tillotson University awards undergraduates, four year degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, science and technology. A multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith institution, the University welcomes students of all ages, races, and religions. In 1966 the 23-acre campus contained an administration building, science building, two residence halls, student union-dining hall, gymnasium-auditorium, music hall, lounge, and two other halls. The Downs-Jones Library houses more that 86,000 volumes, subscribes to more than 350 periodicals, and is a member of TexShare, a library resource-sharing program which enables students, faculty, and staff to borrow books from other member libraries. By the early 1970s new buildings included a classroom-administration building, a chapel, an addition of three wings to the women's dormitory, and an addition of two wings to the men's dormitory. In 2004, the first phase of renovation work was completed on the Old Administration Building and it reopened after standing unoccupied for 35 years. Branch and William H. Jones, past presidents of Tillotson College and Karl E. Downs, Robert Harrington, and Willis J. King, past presidents of Samuel Huston College, undertook cooperative sponsorship of several academic activities beginning in 1945. Davage served as interim president during the transition period. He retired in 1955 and was succeeded by J.J Seabrook, the first permanent president of Huston-Tillotson. Upon Seabrook's retirement in 1965, John Q. Taylor King became president. King was president in the 1974-75 term, when the enrollment was 696 students. King retired in 1988 and Joseph T. McMillan, Jr., succeeded him. In the fall of 1998 there were 59 faculty members and 621 students at Huston-Tillotson University. Larry L. Earvin became the fifth president of the University in 2000 and moved the institution to university status. The University is a not-for-profit corporation. The president serves as chief executive officer of the corporation. Bragging rights:
Huston-Tillotson University is the oldest higher education institution in Austin, Texas. Tagline:
Discover HT

Vision Statement:
Huston-Tillotson University will be a leader in the education of diverse populations. We will empower students for success in a global society as critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and ethical citizens.

It’s Free College Application Week! Application fees are waived from October 12, 2026, through October 18, 2026. Texas r...
10/12/2026

It’s Free College Application Week! Application fees are waived from October 12, 2026, through October 18, 2026.

Texas residents can apply to Huston-Tillotson through ApplyTexas without paying an application fee. You may still see a fee and payment instructions during the application process, but eligible applicants won’t have to pay for any applications submitted this week.

Apply Today for Fall 2027!

This Week in HT Athletics!
10/11/2026

This Week in HT Athletics!

WE’RE KICKING IT ON BLUEBONNET HILL W/  Get ready to lace up your freshest kicks as we celebrate the 151st Charter Day O...
10/09/2026

WE’RE KICKING IT ON BLUEBONNET HILL W/

Get ready to lace up your freshest kicks as we celebrate the 151st Charter Day Observance at Huston-Tillotson University!

We’re bringing the style, the school spirit, and the HT Pride together for a celebration you don’t want to miss. Pull out your flyest sneakers to match your business professional attire and join us as we honor 151 years of legacy, excellence, and tradition!

King-Seabrook Chapel
Thursday, October 22, 2026

Come dressed to impress from the ankles down!

Happy Fall Break! Wishing everyone a relaxing and refreshing Fall Break! Take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy a l...
10/09/2026

Happy Fall Break!

Wishing everyone a relaxing and refreshing Fall Break! Take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy a little time away from the hustle and bustle.

You’ve earned it! Enjoy your break, and stay safe! See you Monday!

Through the partnership, Huston-Tillotson Rams student-athletes will have access to Influxer’s innovative platform, allo...
10/08/2026

Through the partnership, Huston-Tillotson Rams student-athletes will have access to Influxer’s innovative platform, allowing them to earn compensation through officially licensed apparel featuring their name and number. The platform simplifies the NIL process by handling product creation, fulfillment, customer service, and royalty payments, enabling student-athletes to focus on their academic and athletic pursuits.

The partnership is another step in Huston-Tillotson University Athletics’ continued commitment to providing a first-class student-athlete experience while preparing student-athletes for success both during and after their collegiate careers.

Fans will be able to purchase officially licensed apparel featuring participating Huston-Tillotson Rams student-athletes, with a portion of every sale going directly to the student-athlete. The partnership provides an easy, compliant avenue for supporters to invest directly in the success of Huston-Tillotson student-athletes while celebrating their favorite players.

Visit https://www.influxermerch.com/colleges/huston-tillotson-university to shop now!

The Influxer partnership complements Huston-Tillotson University Athletics’ ongoing efforts to enhance the overall student-athlete experience through innovative partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives.

Providing student-athletes with enhanced opportunities to capitalize on their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) while further promoting the Huston-Tillotson Rams brand. Austin, TX – Through the partnership, Huston-Tillotson Rams student-athletes […]

Huston-Tillotson University is opening its 151st year with new federal support: $1,208,833 through the U.S. Department o...
10/07/2026

Huston-Tillotson University is opening its 151st year with new federal support: $1,208,833 through the U.S. Department of Education’s Supplemental Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Mandatory Grants program

The program provides additional federal resources to eligible HBCUs, helping institutions strengthen their work and expand educational opportunities for students.

The funding follows a landmark sesquicentennial year for HT, which included a historic $150 million gift from the Moody Foundation.

“While this award is smaller in scale, it matters just as much. It adds resources that will help the University serve students and continue the work taking place across campus,” said President and CEO Melva K. Wallace now in her fifth year at the helm.

“Last year was a reminder of what is possible when people invest in HT,” Wallace said. “This award is another resource that helps us do what we have always done: open doors for students and prepare them for what comes next.”

Austin, TX — Huston-Tillotson University (HT) is opening its 151st year with new federal support: $1,208,833 through the U.S. Department of Education’s Supplemental Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Mandatory […]

The Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Orchestra is excited to welcome GRAMMY® Award-winning bassist and bandleader Christ...
10/02/2026

The Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Orchestra is excited to welcome GRAMMY® Award-winning bassist and bandleader Christian McBride!

Join us Sunday, October 18 at 7 PM in King-Seabrook Chapel for an incredible evening of music featuring the HT Jazz Orchestra performing selections from a variety of great jazz composers and arrangers, including music from Christian McBride’s big band repertoire.

Tickets are ON SALE NOW — $20!
Students are FREE with a valid student ID, but must register in advance through the ticket link below.

https://tinyurl.com/JazzOrchestraConcert2026

Reserve your tickets today, we look forward to seeing you on October 18!

Huston-Tillotson University staff member Virginia R. Pearson has earned two leadership appointments with prominent Austi...
09/28/2026

Huston-Tillotson University staff member Virginia R. Pearson has earned two leadership appointments with prominent Austin organizations, expanding her service in environmental stewardship, advocacy and community leadership.

Pearson has been appointed to the Barton Springs Conservancy board of directors for the 2026-27 term. Her board service will begin in October. Pearson also has been selected for induction into the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. Greater Austin Chapter. She will be inducted Sept. 27 as one of seven women in the chapter’s historic first membership cohort. The Greater Austin Chapter was chartered two years ago.

“These appointments offer meaningful opportunities to serve Austin, build stronger community connections and advance work that benefits future generations,” Pearson said. “I am honored to represent the spirit of leadership and service that defines the Huston-Tillotson University community.”

Pearson’s appointments reflect the active civic leadership of HT faculty and staff and the university community’s continued engagement with organizations serving Austin and Central Texas.

AUSTIN, Texas — Huston-Tillotson University staff member Virginia R. Pearson has earned two leadership appointments with prominent Austin organizations, expanding her service in environmental stewardship, advocacy and community leadership. Pearson […]

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