Xavier University of Louisiana receives $38 million gift from MacKenzie Scott

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has received a $38 million gift from mega-philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest private donation in the school’s 100-year history.

The news was announced on Nov. 18, marking the latest in a flurry of giving this year to historically Black colleges and universities from Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and one of the richest women in the world. Her Yield Giving foundation has donated more than a billion dollars to HBCUs in the last five years.

“This generous gift from MacKenzie Scott fills us with profound gratitude. To receive such an investment near the close of our Centennial year is both humbling and inspiring,” said XULA president Dr. Reynold Verret. 

“These funds will enable us to expand our affordability initiatives, which directly support talented students from diverse backgrounds. Ms. Scott’s belief in Xavier’s mission strengthens our resolve to carry forward the legacy of Saint Katharine Drexel and prepare future generations to lead with truth, justice, and service. This gift affirms who we are—and who we are becoming—at a pivotal moment in our history.”

The historic gift comes on the heels of XULA’s centennial homecoming celebration, which brought thousands to New Orleans to celebrate the school’s legacy as a prestigious HBCU in the Catholic tradition. The school has simultaneously been active in promoting the development of its forthcoming medical school, which is in the accreditation phase.

The homecoming celebrations were also bittersweet, with the school having announced a spate of layoffs on Oct. 30—just weeks before the revelation of the gift from Scott. Some 46 full-time employees were let go, including staff connected to campus ministry, social justice and inclusion, communications, athletics, and community service coordination.

At the time of the cuts, the university said they were part of “an effort to ensure the institution’s long-term financial health” and support student success.

“These actions, while difficult, follow a careful review of our operations to ensure that every resource strengthens our capacity to continue serving students and community.”

Though referenced only indirectly in the university’s statement, federal budget cuts under the second Trump administration have affected colleges and universities across the country, including HBCUs. The austerity measures have included elimination of certain funding for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, and XULA is one of several HBCUs known for educating students who go on to professions in medicine.

President Verret, in a meeting with university donors after the announcement, directly referenced the White House cuts, though insisting that XULA remains on “strong” financial footing. The university previously received a $20 million gift from Scott in 2020, which officials said would support the school’s endowment, scholarships, and new faculty hires. It was at the time the largest private donation in XULA’s history, a record that has now been surpassed.

Asked on Wednesday whether the new $38 million donation from Scott will have any effect on the recent layoffs, a university spokesperson redirected BCM to the school's other active fundraising efforts. 

“This new gift will directly support the goals outlined in the Centennial Capital Campaign,” said Leslie D. Rose, interim vice president of university communications, “particularly the University’s commitment to enhancing affordability, expanding student support, and strengthening pathways for students to thrive academically, socially, and professionally.”

Presented with the same query, President Verret did not respond to a request for comment.

Nate Tinner-Williams is co-founder and editor of Black Catholic Messenger.

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