Tillotson College
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1875 by the Rev. George J. Tillotson with the support of the American Missionary Association and congregational churches, Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute was chartered in 1877. Building on a foundation already set in Austin by the Evans Industrial School, Tillotson College focused on teacher training and quality education for African Americans. In 1925 Tillotson was designated a junior college. In 1926 it became a women's college and Mary Elizabeth Branch assumed the presidency in 1930. During her tenure, the school returned to its co-educational status as a full four-year institution. Through Branch's efforts, a partnership with Samuel Huston College was established, and in 1952 the two schools merged to form Huston-Tillotson College. (1999)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1875 with the backing of the American Missionary Association, Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute was chartered in 1877 to train teachers and educate African Americans in Austin. Under president Mary Elizabeth Branch, who arrived in 1930, it grew into a full four-year, co-educational college. In 1952 it merged with Samuel Huston College to form Huston-Tillotson, which endures today.
Why it matters
Tillotson was a cornerstone of Black higher education in Texas during the long era of segregation, opening the professions to generations of students.
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Related people
- · George J. Tillotson
- · Mary Elizabeth Branch
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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