Winston-Salem State University Receives Record $50 Million Gift from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA — Philanthropist and novelist MacKenzie Scott has donated a record-breaking $50 million to Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), marking the largest single gift ever given to the North Carolina-based historically Black university.
The transformative donation, announced by the school this week, is also one of the largest individual contributions ever made to any HBCU in the United States.
Historic Donation to Empower Generations
In a statement, WSSU officials described the gift as “historic” and “life-changing,” saying it will support student scholarships, faculty research, campus improvements, and long-term community initiatives.
“This is a defining moment for Winston-Salem State University,” said WSSU Chancellor Dr. Anthony Graham. “MacKenzie Scott’s generosity will allow us to expand access, elevate our academic excellence, and continue transforming lives through education.”
Scott’s Ongoing Commitment to HBCUs
MacKenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has become one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists, donating billions to educational and social institutions. Her latest contribution follows previous large donations to several historically Black colleges and universities, as part of her effort to promote equity in education.
Scott has stated that her giving is driven by a desire to “give back wealth in a way that will lift communities long overlooked and underfunded.”
Building on a Legacy of Excellence
WSSU, founded in 1892, serves more than 5,000 students annually and is widely recognized for its academic strength in health sciences, business, and education. The university said the $50 million will enhance endowments, strengthen student support programs, and improve campus infrastructure to better serve future generations.
“This gift is not just about today,” said Chancellor Graham. “It’s about creating opportunities that will last for decades — ensuring every student has the tools and resources to thrive.”
A Growing Pattern of Transformational Giving
This is not the first time MacKenzie Scott has made headlines for her extraordinary generosity. In recent years, she has donated billions of dollars to nonprofits, colleges, and universities, often without restrictions on how the funds are used — allowing institutions full flexibility to meet their unique needs.
Education advocates across the country have praised her for helping to close systemic funding gaps, particularly for historically Black institutions that have long faced underinvestment.
Lasting Impact on North Carolina’s Educational Landscape
The donation is expected to have ripple effects across the state’s higher education network, inspiring renewed focus on the importance of private giving and equitable funding for minority-serving institutions.
As WSSU prepares to celebrate this unprecedented moment, university leaders say they plan to share more details in the coming months about how the funds will be strategically allocated to strengthen student success and community impact.
Readers can follow ongoing updates on WSSU’s initiatives and impact stories at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com, where we continue covering North Carolina’s evolving higher education landscape.
