Melva Wallace

Dr. Melva K. Wallace is a true powerhouse—widely recognized as a solutionist, innovator, and fierce advocate for higher education. For more than two decades, she has made waves in the world of education, blending her passion for leadership with a tireless commitment to change. Today, she stands at the helm of Huston-Tillotson University, an esteemed HBCU in Austin, TX, where she proudly serves as the seventh President and CEO. Under her visionary leadership, HT has skyrocketed from being unranked to claiming the prestigious title of the #3 HBCU in the country by Niche.com, and it is now recognized as the top HBCU for students earning the most immediately after graduation. But that is just the beginning. Since Dr. Wallace—known on social media as MKWthe7th—took the reins, she has dramatically transformed HT into a thriving hub of academic excellence. Through her efforts, she has boosted fundraising, increased student enrollment (both domestically and internationally), and sparked a surge in online learning opportunities. There’s a new wave of energy around HT, and the city of Austin is buzzing with excitement about the institution being labeled as "the best thing since sliced bread!” Dr. Wallace’s extraordinary career spans much more than the realm of higher education. As a 2016 Presidential Leadership Scholar, she had the unique honor of studying leadership under three former U.S. Presidents—George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Her remarkable accomplishments also earned her the 2018 ATHENA Award, the highest honor in Louisiana for women excelling in their careers and supporting others in reaching their leadership potential. A board member for numerous esteemed organizations—such as Centenary College of Louisiana, Christus Shumpert Hospital, Ballet Austin, and Austin PBS—Dr. Wallace is deeply committed to serving her community. She also holds the role of Board President for Extensions of Excellence and is a founding board member of the Higher Education Leadership Foundation, which has trained over 500 HBCU leaders across the nation. Many of these leaders have gone on to hold key positions at HBCUs nationwide, shaping the future of higher education. Her entrepreneurial spirit has also left its mark. In 2011, Dr. Wallace co-founded the Shreveport Charter Foundation, which built the Magnolia School of Excellence, Shreveport’s first new school in over three decades.