About our Speaker:
Results, stability, and forward planning define the leadership of Dr. Melva K. Wallace, Seventh President and Chief Executive Officer of Huston-Tillotson University, a nationally ranked private liberal arts historically Black college and university (HBCU) and the first institution of higher education established in Austin, Texas. Her career spans more than 20 years in senior leadership across public and private higher education.
Since she took the helm in 2022, Huston-Tillotson University has advanced measurably in fundraising, enrollment strategy, and academic innovation, including expanded international, graduate, and online offerings. Most notably, Huston-Tillotson secured a historic $150 million philanthropic investment from the Moody Foundation---the largest gift in its history---supporting campus growth, student access, and long-term financial stability. During this period, enrollment grew, and the institution welcomed its largest male first-year class to date, with men representing 55 percent of the cohort. Dr. Wallace is widely regarded for her disciplined financial management and strategic execution.
Prior to her presidency, she held senior executive appointments within the Southern University System, the only HBCU system in the nation. Her service as vice chancellor, interim vice chancellor, and chief of staff included system-level oversight of multiple campuses and complex operations. Earlier academic leadership roles included service at Centenary College of Louisiana, where she contributed to student retention initiatives and now serves on the Board of Trustees.
Nationally, Dr. Wallace is recognized for her perspective on HBCUs and higher education leadership. As a Presidential Leadership Scholar, she studied leadership under former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H. W. Bush. Her honors include the ATHENA Leadership Award, recognition by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education as a leading minority woman in higher education, and designation as one of Texas' Top 100 Influential Professionals.
Her academic preparation includes degrees from Grambling State University and a Ph.D. from Jackson State University.
She is married to Dr. D. L. Wallace, an educator and pastor engaged in leadership development and community service. You can find her on instagram @mkwth7th for updates on leadership, higher education, and innovation at Huston-Tillotson University and the whole nation.
