By Milton Kirby | Prairie View, TX | November 14, 2025
A Record-Breaking Moment for PVAMU
Prairie View A&M University has received the largest single gift in its 149-year history — a $63 million unrestricted donation from philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott.
The university announced the news on Thursday, calling the investment a powerful vote of confidence in Prairie View’s mission, leadership, and rising research profile.
This new gift comes five years after Scott’s earlier $50 million donation. Together, her support now totals $113 million, marking one of the most significant philanthropic commitments ever made to a Historically Black College or University.
A Boost for Students, Research, and the Future
President Tomikia P. LeGrande said the gift is “defining and affirming,” and will accelerate the university’s long-range plan, Journey to Eminence: 2035.
The university plans to expand:
- Scholarships and student support services
- Faculty research and innovation in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, agriculture, public health, and space science
- Endowment growth, giving PVAMU long-term financial strength
The timing aligns with a major milestone — PVAMU’s largest-ever enrollment of 10,106 students.
Why Unrestricted Funding Matters
Scott’s giving style sets her apart: she allows universities to decide how best to use the funds. PVAMU leaders say that flexibility is crucial for sustained excellence, especially as many HBCUs continue working to close long-standing funding gaps.
A Rising Star Among Public HBCUs
Prairie View A&M, part of the Texas A&M University System, has sharpened its focus on high-impact research in recent years.
University officials say the gift will:
- Help strengthen PVAMU’s position as a national research institution
- Expand opportunities for first-generation and low-income students
- Support community and workforce development across Texas
What Comes Next
President LeGrande said the gift is not only a celebration but a call to action:
“This investment amplifies the power and promise of a Prairie View education.”
To honor that promise, PVAMU plans to track and report measurable outcomes tied to student success, faculty advancement, and research impact.
With one of the largest philanthropic boosts in HBCU history, Prairie View A&M now enters a new chapter — one marked by momentum, vision, and opportunity.
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