Today we’d like to introduce you to Melva Wallace.
Hi Melva, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was blessed to be reared by parents who were both educators and proud HBCU graduates. They instilled in me the values of faith, integrity, hard work, service to others, excellence, and treating every person with dignity and respect. Those lessons became the foundation for everything I’ve done in life.
I later earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Grambling State University and my Ph.D. from Jackson State University. My HBCU experiences not only prepared me academically, but also gave me a firsthand appreciation for the rich traditions, culture, and close-knit community that make these institutions so special. Professionally, I had the privilege of serving at Grambling State University and within the Southern University System before joining Huston-Tillotson University. Looking back, each experience prepared me for the opportunity to lead HT at this important time in its history. I truly believe I am where God intended me to be.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No meaningful journey is ever completely smooth. I didn’t simply move from one position to the next—I grew into each opportunity. With every new responsibility came new expectations, new challenges, and new opportunities to learn. There were moments of trial and error that stretched me personally and professionally, but each experience strengthened my faith, deepened my resilience, and prepared me for what was ahead.
Looking back, I can see that every role was preparing me for the next. Each experience broadened my perspective, sharpened my decision-making, and reinforced the importance of listening, learning, and leading with humility. I have also learned that leadership is never about one person. It is about building a team that shares a common vision, values collaboration, and is committed to helping others succeed.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As president of Huston-Tillotson University, my responsibility is to lead an institution that transforms lives through education while ensuring it is well positioned for the future. Every day, I work alongside an exceptional team to strengthen our academic programs, expand opportunities for our students, build meaningful partnerships, and secure the resources needed to move the University forward.
I am probably best known for setting ambitious goals and bringing people together to accomplish them. I believe in thinking beyond what is comfortable and challenging our campus community to imagine what is possible. Our strategic plan, From First to Foremost, reflects that philosophy.
What makes me most proud is not a single accomplishment, but the collective progress we have made together these past four years. We have experienced enrollment growth, expanded academic offerings, strengthened alumni engagement, increased philanthropic support, improved campus facilities, and elevated the University’s national profile. Seeing our students succeed and knowing we are creating opportunities that will impact generations to come is the greatest reward. What sets me apart is that I tenaciously lead with both vision and purpose. If someone says a thing can’t be done, I find a way to show that it can, I fiercely believe that ‘with God, all things are possible.” I also believe relationships matter, people matter, and every decision should advance the mission of the University. I never lose sight of the fact that higher education changes lives, and that responsibility drives everything I do.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Aside from my faith in God and my love for my family, people matter most to me. Whether they are students discovering their potential, faculty inspiring the next generation, alumni giving back, or community partners investing in our mission, people are at the heart of everything we do. I also believe deeply in leaving institutions stronger than I found them. Success is not measured simply by what we accomplish today but by what we build for those who will come after us. My goal is to ensure that Huston-Tillotson University continues moving from being the first institution of higher education in Austin to becoming the foremost. My faith keeps me grounded and reminds me that leadership is ultimately about service.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melvak.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkwthe7th/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelvaKWilliams/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvakwallace/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrDLWallace
