Alabama State University Receives Largest Gift in 158-Year History: $38M from MacKenzie Scott

In a monumental affirmation of its legacy, leadership, and future potential, Alabama State University has announced the largest single donation in its 158-year history: a transformative $38 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

This unrestricted gift is not just a historic financial milestone. It represents national recognition of ASU’s rising prominence as an HBCU leader in education, research, and community engagement. For the Hornet Nation and the broader HBCU community, this is a moment that echoes far beyond Montgomery.

“We are deeply grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her unprecedented generosity in supporting the vision of Alabama State University,” said ASU President Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. “This is a history-making moment at the place where history is made.”

Scott’s donation, part of her ongoing mission to support organizations driving equity and access, came through a private, selective process. ASU had no prior indication it was under consideration, further emphasizing that the University’s consistent, mission-driven work was speaking volumes behind the scenes.

Dr. Ross reflected on the quiet but steady impact of ASU’s strategic growth:

“You never know who’s watching, and to be recognized in this way reminds us that our efforts matter. Alabama State University’s impact is reaching farther than we sometimes realize.”

The gift will support key pillars of ASU’s Focus 2030 Strategic Plan, including strengthening the University’s endowment, investing in student success and retention, expanding research and technology infrastructure, and deepening community engagement across Montgomery and beyond.

As Dr. Ross noted, the gift honors ASU’s legacy as a historic Black institution while positioning it as a national model for innovation.

“This is a game changer,” said Ross. “Her gift enhances Alabama State University’s ability to continue to compete, continue to lead, and to be the example of what’s possible when vision, purpose, and progress align.”

At a time when HBCUs are gaining renewed recognition for their role in shaping Black excellence and driving systemic change, ASU’s windfall is a bold reminder that sustained, intentional leadership pays off and that institutions serving our communities deserve and demand investment at scale.

This donation places Alabama State University among a growing list of HBCUs that have received multi-million-dollar gifts from Scott. But beyond the dollar amount, it’s the message that matters: the work happening at ASU is seen, valued, and essential to the future of higher education.

Stay tuned as Alabama State University continues to build, elevate, and, in the words of their president, “empower students to soar.”