By Jonathan Shelley
 Four Alabama schools are among 12 historically Black colleges and universities nationwide receiving $1 million each in permanent endowment funding through a new gift from the James and Judith K. Dimon Foundation, the United Negro College Fund announced.
Oakwood University in Huntsville, Miles College in Fairfield, Stillman College in Tuscaloosa and Tuskegee University are all set to receive the funding as part of The Dimon Fund to Advance Economic Opportunity. The gift provides permanent endowment capital to the schools as part of a $5 million institutional match within UNCF’s pooled endowment fund.
UNCF says the Alabama schools and the other institutions selected were chosen for their leadership and governance, along with a track record of preparing educators, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Oakwood, a private Seventh-day Adventist university, is based right here in the Huntsville area. Tuskegee, one of the nation’s most prominent HBCUs, has long been known for its programs in engineering, veterinary medicine and agriculture. Miles College and Stillman College round out the list, both private institutions with deep roots in their communities of Fairfield and Tuscaloosa.
In addition to the four Alabama schools, the following institutions will also receive $1 million each:
- Benedict College (Columbia, South Carolina)
- Dillard University (New Orleans, Louisiana)
- Edward Waters University (Jacksonville, Florida)
- Huston-Tillotson University (Austin, Texas)
- Jarvis Christian University (Hawkins, Texas)
- Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- Shaw University (Raleigh, North Carolina)
- Voorhees University (Denmark, South Carolina)
Jamie and Judy Dimon said in a statement that the gift reflects their commitment to economic mobility for young people, adding that they see HBCUs as a springboard to opportunity for students working toward what they called the American Dream. The couple, who described themselves as children of first-generation high school and college graduates, said they hope the gift helps strengthen the long-term financial stability of the schools.
