Winston-Salem, N.C. — MacKenzie Scott has once again made history at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), donating $50 million to the 133-year-old institution—her second and largest contribution to date. The unrestricted gift surpasses her 2020 donation of $30 million, which at the time also set a record for the university. Together, Scott’s total giving to WSSU now stands at $80 million, an extraordinary show of confidence in the university’s mission and long-term vision as one of the nation’s most impactful HBCUs.
MacKenzie Scott continues to invest in HBCUs
WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown called the gift “truly life-changing” for the university, its students, and the surrounding community.
“MacKenzie Scott’s confidence in Winston-Salem State University enables us to transform lives—not just today, but for generations,” Brown said. “Her investment empowers us to make a high-quality education accessible, affordable, and within reach for students who never believed college was possible. We are all profoundly grateful that she has chosen to invest in the future of our students and this institution.”
This $50 million gift, the largest in WSSU’s history, will be used to expand student access, enhance scholarship opportunities, and strengthen the university’s long-term financial foundation. The funds are unrestricted, meaning WSSU can allocate them strategically to areas with the greatest impact, ensuring the investment supports both immediate and future needs.
Building on a Legacy of Impact
When MacKenzie Scott first donated $30 million in 2020, the gift fundamentally shifted what was possible for the university. Most of those funds were placed in WSSU’s endowment to secure long-term growth, while the remainder supported the acquisition of nearby properties to expand the campus footprint—an essential move for a land-locked university experiencing record demand…