Huston-Tillotson University: Celebrating Homecoming Traditions and Leadership with President Dr. Melva Wallace
Explore Huston-Tillotson University’s storied homecoming tradition and ongoing success as Austin Texas’s oldest institution of higher learning. University President Dr. Melva Wallace and alumna Dorraine G. Williams (Class of 1994) offer a glimpse into HT’s achievements, academic programs, and future goals.
Honoring Huston-Tillotson University’s Legacy and Tradition
Covering the story of Huston-Tillotson University’s unique homecoming birth and remarkable leadership was an eye-opening experience. Huston-Tillotson University (HT), a private HBCU and Austin Texas’s first institution of higher learning, holds a rich legacy built on community and resilience. Through conversations with Dorraine G. Williams, an alumna from the Class of 1994, and HT’s current president, Dr. Melva Wallace, the profound history and spirit of the university came into sharp focus. I’ve shared a brief video of my tour and conversations below the editorial!
Huston-Tillotson Alumna Dorraine G. Williams
The Story Behind HT’s Homecoming Tradition
Walking the hallowed grounds of the university with Williams, I learned that the school’s homecoming tradition at HT is unlike any other, primarily because the university lacks a football team—a hallmark of traditional homecomings. This annual event is celebrated not in the fall, but in February, a legacy initiated by Williams and her fellow Delta Sigma Theta line sisters, who began gathering alumni for reunions nearly 30 years ago. As attendance grew, so did the event’s significance, evolving from a small group to a formalized homecoming for the entire university. Williams explained how this homecoming has become a cherished celebration of HT’s alumni network and a testament to the university’s enduring legacy of community and unity.
Huston-Tillotson President Dr. Melva Wallace
Dr. Melva Wallace’s Vision and Leadership
Interviewing Dr. Melva Wallace, HT’s president, offered insight into her vision for the school and her commitment to student success. Only the second woman to serve as president of HT, Dr. Wallace has led the university to notable achievements since her appointment in 2022. Under her leadership, HT was recognized as the top private HBCU in Texas by U.S. News & World Report and ranked third nationally by Niche.com among all HBCUs. Dr. Wallace described HT as a private liberal arts institution with a broad array of academic programs, spanning 22 undergraduate majors and two master’s programs in fields as diverse as STEM, music, criminal justice, and political science.
HT also recently launched a real estate concentration to meet the demands of corporate job markets, expanding HT’s programs with career-relevant, growth-oriented options for students.
Leveraging Austin’s Thriving Economy
In our conversation, Dr. Wallace highlighted the strategic advantages of HT’s Austin location, a city renowned for its booming tech sector and high-paying career opportunities. She underscored the importance of Austin’s ecosystem for helping students secure internships and careers, emphasizing HT’s dedication to ensuring students not only earn degrees but also access real-world experience through internships and corporate partnerships.
As Dr. Wallace pointed out, the city’s rapid growth and vibrant industry presence offer students an invaluable opportunity to transition seamlessly from the classroom to the workforce without having to leave the region. Austin’s top ranking as a “college town” by WalletHub underscores the unique appeal of the city’s location—an asset that plays a crucial role in preparing students for high-demand, high-paying careers.
A Moment with HT’s Guiding Forces: Rev. Brewington and Debra Delly, Director of CACE
During my tour of Huston-Tillotson, I had the pleasure of dining with the amazing Debra Delly, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Community Engagement (CACE), and the retiring university Chaplain, Rev. Don Brewington, in the bustling university cafeteria—which, by the way, was amazing, courtesy of Food Service Director, Mr. Jasper Manuel! Each of them offered inspiring perspectives on their time at HT, sharing their experiences and dreams for the future of the university. Rev. Brewington, who is retiring after over 32 years of service to the institution, reflected on his work with students, faculty, and the larger university community. The conversation felt almost Basquiat-esque, as both Delly and Rev. Brewington painted masterful visions of the history, traditions, and achievements that make Huston-Tillotson such a special place.
A Faith-Based Approach to Education
Dr. Wallace also discussed how HT’s faith-based educational approach sets the school apart. Each Thursday, students lead chapel services, fostering a unique combination of spirituality and academic life. Dr. Wallace spoke passionately about how this approach supports an inclusive, supportive environment that encourages both personal and intellectual growth. She emphasized that HT’s mission is deeply connected to nurturing students in both faith and learning, a tradition that has guided the university since its founding.
When asked what drives her most as president, Dr. Wallace answered without hesitation: The students. She described them as “brilliant, kind, and dedicated” individuals who inspire her every day. With the commitment of faculty and the faith-based culture of HT, students are encouraged to pursue their potential and lead with purpose.
Celebrating 150 Years of Impact, Academic Leadership and Innovation
This year marks the 150th anniversary of HT, a milestone that has allowed alumni, students, and faculty to reflect on HT’s longstanding impact. Dr. Wallace views this celebration as an opportunity to honor HT’s past while advancing its future. Her leadership is forward-thinking yet firmly rooted in the values that have defined HT for generations.
Through the voices of alumna Dorraine G. Williams and President Dr. Wallace, it’s clear that HT’s legacy is as strong as ever. From a distinctive homecoming tradition to a renewed focus on academic excellence, Huston-Tillotson University continues to foster a culture of unity, achievement, and opportunity for its students. HT’s community is eager to carry this legacy forward, guided by a shared sense of pride and purpose.
Take the tour with me!
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Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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