Huston-Tillotson University Names New President

Huston-Tillotson University in Austin named Colette Pierce Burnette as the school's new president on Wednesday.

Burnette will be the first woman to run the historically black private school since Tillotson College and Samuel Huston College merged in 1952, according to a school official. She'll take over the job on July 1. 

"Colette Pierce Burnette’s vision, experience and determination solidified the decision and will compel the University to higher levels," said Albert Hawkins, chairman of the school's board of trustees and a former executive commissioner of Texas health and human services.

Burnette was previously interim president at Pierce College in Puyallup, Wash. She began at the school teaching computer information systems. Burnette has also served as chief financial officer of Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.

In the press release announcing her hire, Burnette said she was "deeply honored" to take the job. 

"HT has a rich and remarkable history of preparing students for careers that enhance our society and world," she said.

Huston-Tillotson has just over 1,000 students. It's the oldest higher education institution in Austin, tracing its roots to 1875.