Huston-Tillotson University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Huston-Tillotson University (HT), a private historically Black university (HBCU) in Austin, Texas, stands as a testament to the power of education and the enduring spirit of the Black community. Established in 1875, it holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher learning in Austin. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund, HT has a rich history of producing notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. This article delves into the history of Huston-Tillotson University and highlights some of its most accomplished graduates.

From Tillotson Collegiate to Huston-Tillotson University: A History of Unity

The story of Huston-Tillotson University is one of unity and shared values. The university was created from the merging of two institutions: Tillotson College and Samuel Huston College.

Tillotson College: A Foundation for Education

Originally named Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute, the school was chartered in 1877 by Reverend George Jeffrey Tillotson with the support of the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the American Missionary Association of the Congregational churches. The institution opened its doors on January 17, 1881, with the mission of providing education to African Americans in Central Texas.

Samuel Huston College: A Methodist Beginning

Samuel Huston College developed out of an 1876 Methodist Episcopal conference. In 1878, the St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church, originally located in Dallas, relocated to Austin and served as a school for young Black people. This school, under the direction of Methodist minister Reverend George, was later named Andrews Normal College, then Samuel Huston College, after Samuel Huston, a farmer from Iowa, donated property to the school. Samuel Huston College was chartered in 1910 and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1934. Before the merger, Jackie Robinson coached the school's basketball team for the 1944-45 season.

The Merger: "In Union, Strength"

By 1952, based on mutual values, Tillotson College and Samuel Huston College agreed to join forces at the location of Tillotson College, then known as “Bluebonnet Hill.” The two institutions officially merged on October 24, 1952, adopting the motto “In union, strength.” This union created the main source of higher learning for Black people in Central Texas until the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision opened doors for integration. In September 2025, Huston-Tillotson University received a $150 million donation from Ross Moody.

Read also: Huston-Tillotson Affordability

Notable Alumni: Champions in Their Fields

Huston-Tillotson University has a legacy of producing exceptional graduates who have excelled in various fields, leaving an indelible mark on society. Here are some of its most notable alumni:

Azie Taylor Morton: Breaking Barriers in Finance

Azie Taylor Morton, a graduate of the class of 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Education, achieved a historic milestone as the 36th Treasurer of the United States. Serving during the Carter administration, she was the first and only Black person to hold this prestigious position. Her career also included service on the Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity during the Kennedy administration and the Austin Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

Norman Scales Sr.: A Tuskegee Airman and Pioneer

Norman Scales Sr. became a Tuskegee Airman during World War II and the first Black pilot commissioned as a second lieutenant from Austin. His bravery and service are commemorated with Scales Street in the Mueller neighborhood named in his honor.

Jackie Robinson: A Baseball Legend's Coaching Days

Before rising to prominence as a baseball legend, Jackie Robinson served as the head of the athletics department of Samuel Huston College from 1944 to 1945. During this time, he also coached the school's basketball team.

Dr. Herman Aladdin Barnett, III: A Triple Threat

Dr. Herman Aladdin Barnett, III, a graduate of Samuel Huston College in 1948, achieved remarkable success in multiple fields. He became a fighter pilot, surgeon, and anesthesiologist. In 1953, he broke barriers as the first Black man to graduate from the University of Texas Medical School.

Lucille Elizabeth Bishop Smith: A Culinary Pioneer

Lucille Elizabeth Bishop Smith, who graduated from Samuel Huston College around 1912, was an entrepreneur, chef, and inventor. She invented the first hot biscuit mix and is known as “the first Black businesswoman in Texas.” Her legacy is honored by the restaurant Lucille’s in Houston.

Frederick D. Patterson: A Champion of Education

Frederick D. Patterson attended Samuel Huston College in the early 1900s. He later became an academic administrator, the president of Tuskegee Institute (present-day Tuskegee University), and the founder of the United Negro College Fund.

Volma Overton: A Civil Rights Activist

After serving in the Marines in World War II and the Army Reserves, Volma Overton attended Tillotson College from 1947-1950, earning a degree in chemistry with a minor in math. He became a civil rights activist and the president of NAACP’s Austin chapter from 1962-1983, known for his work to end racial segregation in Austin schools. Lamar Beach at Town Lake Metro Park was renamed in his honor.

Dr. Connie Yerwood Connor: A Pioneer in Medicine

Dr. Connie Yerwood Connor graduated from Huston College in 1925. She became a Texas physician and the first Black doctor to work for the Texas Department of Health. The Connolly-Yerwood House, her home for many years, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Inez Beverly Prosser: A Psychology Pioneer

Inez Beverly Prosser earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Samuel Huston College in 1926, with a minor in English and Psychology. She was the first Black female to receive a doctoral degree in psychology.

Colette Pierce Burnette: A Leader in Education

Colette Pierce Burnette, the former president of Huston-Tillotson University, was named Austinite of the Year by the Austin Chamber of Commerce in 2022.

Huston-Tillotson University Today

Today, Huston-Tillotson University continues to uphold its mission of providing quality education to a diverse student body. The university offers bachelor's degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, science, and technology, as well as a master's degree in educational leadership.

HTU has an engineering dual degree program with Prairie View A&M University. Under this program, HTU undergraduates complete preliminary required courses on campus and then automatically transfer to Prairie View A&M to complete their engineering degree.

The university's campus is located at the site of the former Tillotson College on Bluebonnet Hill in East Austin. The Downs-Jones Library holds subscriptions to more than 350 periodicals and is a member of TexShare. The Career and Graduate Development Center offers resources for students in their path to employment. HT is one of 24 colleges and universities that received a grant as part of the UNCF Career Pathways Initiative. Since 2022, Melva K. Williams serves as president of Huston-Tillotson University.

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