Huston-Tillotson University was established in 1875. A historically Black University, it is Austin’s oldest institution of higher learning.

For this best of episode, Indeed CEO Chris Hyams speaks to Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, the first female president of the combined institutions of Huston and Tillotson Colleges.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Burnette is a strong proponent of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as well as civic and community engagement. Dr. Burnette is laser-focused on finding resources to support a student-centered university and she is a committed servant leader across the Austin community. Dr. Burnette is co-chair of the Mayor of Austin’s Task Force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities, Board Chair of Leadership Austin, and Treasurer of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas. She also received a 2019 ULI Austin Vision Award.

Dr. Burnette shares her career journey, and we learn how a career in tech led her to academia. We also hear about the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day to Huston-Tillotson University.