Alcorn State University Receives Record-Breaking $42 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott

The nation’s oldest public historically Black land-grant university has received a staggering $42 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest single gift in the institution’s 154-year legacy. And this isn’t the first time Scott has shown love to Alcorn. In 2020, she contributed $25 million, bringing her total investment in the university to $67 million.

This kind of sustained philanthropic commitment speaks volumes.

“Today marks a historic moment for Alcorn State University as we celebrate the largest single donation in our university’s history,” said President Dr. Tracy M. Cook in the announcement issued by the university. “We are immensely grateful for Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s continued investment in Alcorn, our students, and our mission to create access.”

Scott’s previous gift helped fund scholarships, faculty endowments, and capital improvements, including support for the Rep. Alyce Clarke Mississippi First Scholarship. With this new contribution, Alcorn is poised to build even further on that momentum.

Dr. Marcus D. Ward, senior vice president for institutional advancement, emphasized the significance of this moment for the entire Alcorn family.

“Receiving another record transformational gift within five years — this time $42 million — is both a powerful affirmation of Alcorn’s impact and a charge to all Alcornites to help accelerate our work for student success, campus sustainability, and enrollment growth.”

The unrestricted nature of the gift gives Alcorn the flexibility to invest in its most strategic priorities, from enhancing academic programs to bolstering infrastructure and expanding its footprint across Mississippi and beyond.

“This gift opens a new chapter for Alcorn State,” said Dr. Cook. “We will use every dollar to support students, strengthen the university, and serve Mississippi and the nation for generations to come.”

At a time when HBCUs continue to demonstrate their outsized impact on Black achievement and innovation, this kind of investment underscores what our institutions have long known, we are worthy of support at scale. Alcorn’s legacy just got a powerful boost, and the future is looking even brighter.