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.
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-Tillots
on 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:
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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.
06/19/2026
Community Premiere Screening
TODAY | 5:00 PM
A-L Auditorium | Huston-Tillotson University Campus
It is with great pride and heartfelt excitement that we invite you to attend a community premiere screening of “Homecoming – The Week That Rewrote Everything,” the official Huston-Tillotson University documentary honoring the enduring legacy of our beloved institution.
This powerful film captures the spirit, history, and transformative impact of Huston-Tillotson University while celebrating the community, tradition, and excellence that continue to define our campus. Through compelling storytelling, the documentary reflects the pride and resilience that have shaped our institution and the generations who have walked its sacred grounds.
Directed by Christopher Scott and executive produced by Dr. Melva K. Wallace, this documentary stands as a tribute to the remarkable journey of Huston-Tillotson University and the bright future we continue to build together.
06/18/2026
It is with great pride and heartfelt excitement that we invite you to attend a community premiere screening of “Homecoming – The Week That Rewrote Everything,” the official Huston-Tillotson University documentary honoring the enduring legacy of our beloved institution.
This powerful film captures the spirit, history, and transformative impact of Huston-Tillotson University while celebrating the community, tradition, and excellence that continue to define our campus. Through compelling storytelling, the documentary reflects the pride and resilience that have shaped our institution and the generations who have walked its sacred grounds.
Directed by Christopher Scott and executive produced by Dr. Melva K. Wallace, this documentary stands as a tribute to the remarkable journey of Huston-Tillotson University and the bright future we continue to build together.
Premiere Screening
June 19, 2026 | 5:00 PM
A-L Auditorium | Huston-Tillotson University Campus
06/17/2026
Join us on campus for Juneteenth this Friday.
Community Premiere Screening of "Homecoming" Documentary filmed during our Sesquicentennial
June 19, 2026 | 5:00 PM
A-L Auditorium | Huston-Tillotson University Campus
06/17/2026
Huston-Tillotson University invites you and your child to an unforgettable summer of innovation, creativity, and high-tech fun! We are absolutely thrilled to welcome your future trailblazer to HT’s 2026 HBCU Coding & AI Youth Summer Camp, running from July 13th to July 17th, right here on our vibrant campus!
Applications are now open!! To confirm your child's spot, click the link below to complete the camp application today. Don't want to miss out on this incredible adventure.
In proud partnership with Apple’s Community Education Initiative and hosted in collaboration with HT's AusPREP, our week-long coding & AI camp blends intensive STEM activities with exciting engineering design challenges. Your child will receive college-level instruction, learning to use Apple's Swift programming language to solve real-world problems rooted in environmental sustainability.
Join President Melva K. Wallace at the Rio Texas Conference for a time of worship, connection, and holy conferencing during the 2026 Annual Conference. Click the link below for ticket reservation. See you there
Huston-Tillotson University’s Department of Athletics officially promoted Peter Cruz to head coach of the college’s volleyball team effective for the upcoming 2026 season.
Cruz, who has served as the team’s assistant coach for the past four season, was named the interim head coach during the Spring 2026 semester. The “interim” tag has since been moved, according to Vincent Robinson, HT’s Director of Athletics.
“We are excited to name Peter Cruz as the head women’s volleyball coach at Huston-Tillotson University,” Robinson said. “Coach Cruz has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a strong commitment to student-athlete development, and a passion for building a championship culture.”
To read more click the link below.
Peter Cruz Named Huston-Tillotson Univeristy Head Volleyball Coach
Austin, Texas – Huston-Tillotson University’s Department of Athletics officially promoted Peter Cruz to head coach of the college’s volleyball team effective for the upcoming 2026 season. Cruz, who has served […]
06/10/2026
Message from our scholars. Class of 2026!
06/10/2026
Huston-Tillotson University proudly celebrates Keliss Levone-Myers on being crowned Miss Black Austin Texas USA. A native of Maryland who now proudly calls Austin home, Levone-Myers is using her platform to champion confidence, identity, and empowerment for black youth throughout Texas and beyond.
Inspired by her own journey of self-discovery, Levone-Myers entered the competition with a mission to create meaningful change for young people, particularly Black children who may struggle with self-confidence and identity. Through her own blackness while growing up, she now embraces her heritage with pride and uses her voice, visibility, and natural hair as symbols of authenticity, self-expression, and cultural pride.
At the heart of her advocacy is Unapologetically Us, a movement dedicated to empowering Black children to recognize their worth, embrace their identity, and build lasting confidence. The initiative is grounded in three core pillars: Resilience, Representation, and Affirmation. Through these principles, Levone-Myers seeks to equip young people with the tools to overcome adversity, celebrate who they are, and thrive in environments that affirm their value and potential.
Huston-Tillotson University proudly announces the delegation of newly elected student leaders represented the university at the 29th Annual NASAP Student Leadership Institute hosted at Claflin University. The conference brought together more than 40+ Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from across the country to engage in leadership development, networking, and discussions focused on student success and campus engagement.
The annual conference provided student leaders with opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills, exchange ideas with peers from fellow HBCUs, and explore innovative strategies for enhancing student life and campus programming. Through workshops, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions, participants gained valuable insights into effective leadership, advocacy, student engagement, and organizational management.
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