Following her recent $70 million gift to the United Negro College Fund and $63 million gift to Morgan State University, MacKenzie Scott has announced yet another round of funding in support of historically Black colleges and universities.
Over the past week, the billionaire philanthropist has pledged $38 million to Alabama State University, $42 million to Alcorn State University in Mississippi, and $38 million to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. These gifts mark the largest single donations ever received by each institution. Notably, Scott’s donations are unrestricted, meaning each university can freely decide where to direct their new funds.
At Alabama State University, leadership plans to continue expanding technology, global education, and community advancement through the HBCU’s Focus 2030 Strategic Plan.
“We are deeply grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her unprecedented generosity in supporting the vision of Alabama State University,” said President Quinton T. Ross, Jr. “The message here is clear: the work being done at this university is being held in high regard. This investment allows us to continue to make a significant impact as an institution of higher learning now and for generations to come. This is a history-making moment at the place where history is made.”
Over the past five years, Alcorn State University has received a total of $67 million from Scott. In 2020, she donated $25 million to the HBCU. Those funds were put towards faculty endowments, scholarship programs, and strategic initiatives.
“Today marks a historic moment for Alcorn State University as we celebrate the largest single donation in our university’s history,” said President Tracy M. Cook. “We are immensely grateful for Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s continued investment in Alcorn, our students, and mission to create access. I also extend my deepest gratitude to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters who champion our mission every day. Your unwavering commitment and belief in Alcorn State University make milestones like this possible.”
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has also previously received funding from Scott. In 2020, she gifted $20 million, bringing her total investment in the HBCU to $58 million in five years. Administrators at the university plan to use Scott’s latest donation to support need-based scholarships, seed funding for research, student services, and community-based initiatives.
“MacKenzie Scott’s support affirms our mission and our progress,” said President Heidi Anderson. “It recognizes the hard work of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni – and it validates the lofty goals we’ve set together: removing financial barriers to completion, elevating research that solves real problems, and ensuring UMES graduates launch into great careers and lives of purpose.”
Can someone affiliated with the “Mackinzie Scott Foundation” tell them they should SERIOUSLY consider in donating some money to Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) in Itta Bena, MS because they DESPERATELY need billionaire philanthropist Mackinzie Scott assistance. If there’s one HBCU that REALLY need some help is MVSU. In fact, I challenge Mackinzie Scott to personally visit MVSU to truly understand my point.
Tennessee State University could definitely use the gift of financial support from the Mackinzie Scott Foundation. Our students and University would welcome the support.
Hey Lonnie,
I agree with you wholeheartedly. Too bad the rabid neoliberal billionaire TSU alumna Oprah Winfrey only donated a meagerly $25 million (in total) to TSU. Not to single “Mammy Oprah” out, but these other so-called money class Black Americans should actively and fiscally support all HBCUs because they serve a specific purpose for Black America.