Introduction:
Located in the heart of Austin, Texas, Huston-Tillotson University is a historically black university that has been providing quality education to its students for over 140 years. Since its inception in 1875, Huston-Tillotson University has been committed to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. Over the years, the university has seen many changes, but its commitment to its students and its mission remains the same. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about Huston-Tillotson University that you may not know.
The history of Huston-Tillotson University:
Huston-Tillotson University has a rich history that spans over 140 years. The university was established in 1875 as Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute by the American Missionary Association, with the aim of providing education to newly freed slaves in Texas. In 1881, Samuel Huston College was established, and in 1952, the two institutions merged to form Huston-Tillotson College. In 2005, the institution was granted university status and renamed Huston-Tillotson University. Today, the university is a proud member of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is committed to providing a quality education to its students.
Notable alumni:
Huston-Tillotson University has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. One of the most notable alumni of Huston-Tillotson University is Barbara Jordan, who graduated from the university in 1956 with a degree in political science. Jordan went on to become the first African American woman to be elected to the Texas Senate and the first African American woman to deliver a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. Other notable alumni of Huston-Tillotson University include Dr. Lulu M. Ross, the first African American female doctor to be admitted to the American Medical Association; Dr. Elnora Daniel, the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Texas; and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first African American woman to be elected bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Athletics:
Huston-Tillotson University has a rich athletic history and is a member of the Red River Athletic Conference. The university’s athletic teams are known as the Rams and Lady Rams, and they compete in a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, track and field, and cross country. The university has produced many talented athletes over the years, including Richard Lane, who played in the NFL for 14 seasons and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974. The university’s women’s basketball team also made history in 2016 when they became the first team in school history to qualify for the NAIA National Tournament.
The Huston-Tillotson University gospel choir:
The Huston-Tillotson University gospel choir is one of the most renowned choirs in the country. The choir was established in 1970 and has since become a staple of the university’s music program. The choir has performed at many prestigious venues, including the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and the Lincoln Center in New York City. In 2003, the choir released a critically acclaimed album titled “It’s Our Time,” which featured a collection of traditional and contemporary gospel songs. The Huston-Tillotson University gospel choir is a testament to the university’s commitment to music education and the arts.
The Tillotson-Thomas Center:
The Tillotson-Thomas Center is a state-of-the-art facility that houses the university’s performing arts programs. The center was Fun facts about Huston-Tillotson University completed in 2019 and features a 200-seat performance hall, rehearsal rooms, classrooms, and office spaces. The center was named after Dr. Mary E. Branch Tillotson and Mrs. Yvonne Thomas, two of the university’s most influential donors. The Tillotson-Thomas Center is a testament to the university’s commitment to the arts and provides students with a world-class facility to develop their talents.
Community engagement:
Huston-Tillotson University is committed to community engagement and social justice. The university partners with many organizations in the Austin community to provide its students with opportunities to serve and make a difference in their communities. The university’s Center for Social Justice and Diversity is dedicated to promoting social justice and equity, and it provides students with resources and programs to help them become agents of change in their communities. The university’s commitment to community engagement is a reflection of its mission to educate its students not only academically but also socially and ethically.
The annual Homecoming celebration:
Huston-Tillotson University’s annual Homecoming celebration is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. The event brings together alumni, students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the university’s history and legacy. The week-long celebration includes a variety of activities, including a parade, pep rally, step show, and a football game. The Homecoming celebration is a testament to the university’s sense of community and is an opportunity for students and alumni to connect and celebrate their shared experiences.
The university’s commitment to sustainability:
Huston-Tillotson University is committed to sustainability and has implemented many initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The university has installed solar panels on the roofs of many of its buildings to generate renewable energy, and it has implemented a campus-wide recycling program to reduce waste. The university’s commitment to sustainability is a reflection of its mission to be responsible stewards of the environment and to promote sustainable practices.
Conclusion:
Huston-Tillotson University has a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. The university’s notable alumni, rich athletic history, renowned gospel choir, state-of-the-art performing arts center, commitment to sustainability, and annual Homecoming celebration are just a few of the many things that make Huston-Tillotson University a unique and special place. The university’s mission to educate its students academically, socially, and ethically is a testament to its dedication to providing a well-rounded education to its students.