Four More HBCUs Receive Major Investments from MacKenzie Scott

MacKenzie Scott, a billionaire philanthropist, has been an avid supporter of historically Black colleges and universities. Over the past month, JBHE has reported on a combined $457 million she has invested in the United Negro College Fund, Morgan State University, Alabama State University, Alcorn State University, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Howard University, Virginia State University, Clark Atlanta University, and Spelman College.

This week, Scott gifted another round of major gifts to four more HBCUs.

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, one of four historically Black medical schools in the country, received a $27 million donation. This marks Scott’s second gift to the HBCU, following her $20 million gift in 2022.

“This gift marks a tremendous boost to our momentum and accelerates our trajectory toward becoming a larger, stronger institution,” said President David Carlisle. “Ms. Scott’s generosity affirms our mission, reflects her trust in our work, and inspires us to keep advancing as we embark on our 60th anniversary.”

Voorhees University in Denmark, South Carolina, was gifted $19 million — the largest donation in the HBCU’s history, which builds on Scott’s previous $4 million gift in 2020. The latest investment will support endowment growth, student recruitment and retention efforts, scholarships, and maintenance needs.

“This generous gift from Ms. MacKenzie Scott is a resounding affirmation of the extraordinary work being done at Voorhees University,” said President Ronnie Hopkins. “It strengthens our ability to fulfill our vision as a leading faith-based, career-focused institution that transforms lives and communities. These funds will allow us to build on our momentum — supporting our students, expanding our reach, and securing Voorhees’ future for generations to come.”

Winston-Salem State University has received a $50 million gift. Scott’s latest donation surpassed her previous $30 million investment in 2020, once again marking the university’s largest single gift in its 133-year history. WSSU’s first gift from Scott was primarily used to bolster the HBCU’s endowment.

“This gift is truly life-changing for our students and our community,” said Chancellor Bonita J. Brown. “MacKenzie Scott’s confidence in Winston-Salem State University enables us to transform lives, not just today, but for generations. Her investment empowers us to make a high-quality education accessible, affordable, and within reach for students who never believed college was possible, and for that, I want to say thank you. We are all profoundly grateful for her choosing to invest in the future of our students and this institution.”

Like Voorhees and Winston-Salem State, Norfolk State University in Virginia is also celebrating its largest single gift in the HBCU’s history. Following her historic $40 million gift in 2020, Scott has invested $50 million to support Norfolk State’s student scholarships, faculty research and service, athletics, and strategic initiatives coinciding with the university’s 90th anniversary.

“This $50M gift will catapult Norfolk State to its next level of excellence,” reads a statement from the university. “President Adams-Gaston and administrators are grateful for the enormous vote of confidence Ms. Scott has placed in the institution and its ability to provide positive outcomes for our students.”