Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has made another historic move in her ongoing effort to support historically Black colleges and universities, donating $19 million to Voorhees University in Denmark, South Carolina—the largest single contribution in the school’s 128-year history.
The university confirmed the donation in a statement from President and CEO Dr. Ronnie Hopkins that was obtained by local news station WRDW, who called it “a resounding affirmation of the extraordinary work being done at Voorhees University.”
Hopkins added that the funds will “strengthen our ability to fulfill our vision as a leading faith-based, career-focused institution that transforms lives and communities.”
According to Voorhees officials, the $19 million investment will be used to expand scholarships, improve student recruitment and retention, grow the endowment, and address deferred maintenance needs across campus. The goal is long-term sustainability—ensuring the university can continue to offer high-quality education and opportunities for future generations.
This latest gift follows Scott’s $4 million donation to Voorhees in 2020, shortly before Hopkins took office. Since then, the university has experienced rising enrollment and the development of new programs, including initiatives in business, healthcare, and STEM fields. The latest contribution, leaders say, will help build on that progress.
Voorhees joins a growing list of HBCUs receiving transformative funding from Scott, whose philanthropy has focused on addressing racial inequities in education and wealth distribution.
She’s given $80 million to Howard University, $63 million to Morgan State, and $38 million to Spelman College—all unrestricted, allowing the institutions to allocate funds where they’re most needed.
Scott’s approach to giving is defined by trust and autonomy. Since finalizing her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019, she has distributed over $19 billion to more than 2,000 organizations, many of them serving underrepresented communities. Her philosophy emphasizes removing red tape from philanthropy, empowering recipients to create their own solutions rather than follow donor-imposed guidelines.