SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Dr. Quinton Ross, President, ASU
It’s been a week to remember for Alabama State University (ASU). Days after celebrating a decisive victory over in-state rival Alabama A&M at the Magic City Classic, the Hornet Nation received even more cause for celebration. ASU President Dr. Quinton Ross announced Monday that the university has received a record-breaking $38 million donation from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, marking the largest gift in the school’s 158-year history.
In a letter to alumni, Dr. Ross described the moment as “a defining milestone” in ASU’s long legacy of excellence and service.
“Today marks a defining moment in the history of Alabama State University,” Ross wrote. “I am filled with immense gratitude and pride to announce that philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated an extraordinary $38 million gift to our great University. Ms. Scott’s generosity affirms Alabama State University’s reputation as a catalyst for excellence and innovation in higher education. This is truly a pivotal moment in ASU’s history.”
The unprecedented donation is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support students, expand academic programs, and strengthen community engagement initiatives. Dr. Ross noted that the funds will be invested strategically to ensure sustainable growth and long-term student success.
A Legacy of Giving
MacKenzie Scott, 55, is one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists and advocates for equity in education, economic empowerment, and social justice. She is the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and was a key contributor to Amazon’s early growth, co-authoring the company’s original business plan and handling its first shipping operations from their garage.
After her 2019 divorce, Scott received 4% of Amazon’s stock—then valued at around $36 billion—and immediately began redirecting her wealth to causes focused on equity, justice, and opportunity. Rather than establishing a traditional foundation, Scott has chosen to give directly to organizations through her Yield Giving initiative, emphasizing trust-based philanthropy with few restrictions and a focus on marginalized communities.
Her philanthropic approach has reshaped the landscape of charitable giving. Since 2020, Scott has donated over $16 billion to more than 1,600 organizations, including universities, social service agencies, and community-led nonprofits. Many of her most transformative gifts have gone to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which have historically faced chronic underfunding.
In Alabama, Scott has previously supported the First Light Foundation and the ACLU of Alabama, and in 2022 she donated $20 million to Tuskegee University. Just last week, she gifted $63 million to Morgan State University and $38 million to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, underscoring her deep commitment to advancing Black education and opportunity.
A Transformative Moment for ASU
For Alabama State University, Scott’s donation signals a new era. Founded in 1867 by nine freed slaves, ASU has long stood as a beacon of access and empowerment for African American students. The $38 million gift is expected to strengthen that legacy by expanding scholarships, investing in faculty and research, and supporting the university’s mission of “advancing opportunity, access, and excellence.”
“MacKenzie Scott’s generosity will not only change lives today but will echo through generations,” Dr. Ross said. “It affirms that Alabama State University’s impact extends far beyond our campus — to our community, our state, and our nation.”
With this historic gift, ASU joins a growing list of HBCUs that have benefited from Scott’s transformative philanthropy, ensuring that the Hornet legacy continues to thrive for decades to come.