PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Nov. 14, 2025) – When MacKenzie Scott awarded Prairie View A&M University a second gift of $63 million, the largest single donation in the institution’s history, raising her total support to $113 million, it is a clear signal of trust in the University’s mission, vision, and ability to transform lives and communities. It is a resounding affirmation that the progress she sparked with the historic $50 million in 2020 did not simply take root; it flourished.
MacKenzie Scott has created a continuum of that first historic moment with her generosity and discernment by giving overdue recognition to and a rare opportunity for an HBCU to invest boldly in its own priorities. Over the last five years, PVAMU converted that confidence into transformative progress, strengthening academic excellence, expanding access, and building a foundation for long-term institutional growth.
Now, Prairie View A&M University is entering its next chapter, one defined not by potential but by proven impact and bold aspiration for its future.
“This gift is more than generous — it is defining and affirming,” said Prairie View A&M University President Tomikia P. LeGrande. “MacKenzie Scott’s investment amplifies the power and promise of a Prairie View A&M University education as we advance our vision of becoming a premier public, research-intensive HBCU that serves as a national model for student success. We are deeply grateful for her profound endorsement of our mission, our momentum, and our impact on the world.”
Scott’s latest gift arrives at a pivotal time for Prairie View. The University recently welcomed its largest enrollment of 10,106 students, expanded academic offerings, and continues to execute Journey to Eminence: 2035, its long-range strategic plan to elevate PVAMU’s research profile and strengthen student success outcomes.
The new funding will be invested strategically to:
- Expand commitment to student success through enhanced scholarships and academic support.
- Strengthen faculty research and innovation in fields critical to Texas and the nation, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, agricultural sustainability, education, public health, space exploration, social policy, and other key areas.
- Grow the University’s endowment, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and institutional excellence.
The Gift that Became a Catalyst
In the past five years, since the initial gift, students, faculty, staff, and alumni have watched its impact unfold across campus.
A stronger student pipeline of scholarships and student support
The University allocated a portion of the 2020 gift towards need-based scholarships and emergency aid. Those dollars provided assistance and emergency support for thousands of students facing financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many Panthers, the gift was the difference between stopping out and crossing the graduation stage.
Expansion of academic services and retention infrastructure
The unrestricted nature of the gift enabled PVAMU to strengthen advising, tutoring, and first-year success programming areas that have a significant impact on graduation outcomes. These enhancements helped raise persistence rates, stabilize academic pathways, and strengthen the safety net that now supports students well beyond their freshman year.
Launch of the Toni Morrison Writing Program
One of the most celebrated uses of the 2020 gift was the allocation of $3 million to establish the Toni Morrison Writing Program, honoring the Nobel laureate whose influence shaped generations of writers and thinkers. The program continues to bring distinguished visiting authors who teach writing-intensive courses, support creative projects, and position PVAMU as a national hub for literary talent.
Strengthened financial footing for the future
PVAMU also directed a portion of the funds into its endowment, enhancing long-term financial stability and creating room for thoughtful, future-focused planning.
Together, these actions transformed the initial gift from a single act into an ongoing advancement.
Confidence Reinforced, Impact Amplified
Scott’s renewed support will enable PVAMU to broaden pathways to opportunity, enhance student success initiatives, and expand programs that open doors for future generations. The investment reinforces the University’s upward trajectory and the strength of its mission.
“Philanthropy of this magnitude and intentionality reimagines how progress and scale are realized,” President LeGrande added. “MacKenzie Scott’s commitment to PVAMU is a testament to what happens when vision aligns with opportunity.”
The latest gift is more than a continuation of past support; it’s a charge to imagine courageously and achieve new levels of excellence with urgency.
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