Congressman Greg Casar Delivers $850K for Huston-Tillotson University Renovations

AUSTIN — Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) joined Huston-Tillotson University leaders, students, and Black Austinites on April 26, 2024, to celebrate his office securing $850,000 for the university in this year’s congressional budget.

The $850,000 grant will be used by Huston-Tillotson to renovate two residence halls and the 1960s student union.

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“Huston-Tillotson is part of the beating heart of East Austin,” said Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas). “We want to make sure HT’s students can afford to live here. These students are the future leaders of Travis County.”

“Investing in our campus infrastructure is vital for providing students with a conducive learning environment. We are extremely grateful to Congressman Casar and others who were instrumental in securing this award for the renovation of our on-campus residence halls. This significant investment will enhance the overall student experience and contribute to our mission of maintaining an environment of academic excellence,” said Dr. Melva K. Wallace, president of Huston-Tillotson University. 

“We are going from First to Foremost. With your support, we indeed forging ahead into a future where our students are not only first in our minds but foremost in our actions. Your dedication to education and student welfare serves as a shining example of positive change that can be achieved through philanthropy,” said Breyanna Jones, student government association vice president of Huston-Tillotson University. 

“This funding is absolutely vital for our students. As a private institution, we don’t rely on public funds from the state. Being the oldest learning institution in Austin, it’s imperative that we upgrade our infrastructure to meet the needs of our students and faculty,” said Dianne T. Land, Trustee of Huston-Tillotson University. “This funding presents a crucial opportunity for us to make those necessary improvements.”

This federal funding was made possible through the Community Project Funding process for the Fiscal Year 2024 spending bills. Huston-Tillotson applied for the grant through Casar’s office last year. It was approved in the first round of the appropriations government funding packages that passed the U.S. House on March 6 and signed by President Joe Biden on March 9, 2024.

Source: Huston-Tillotson University