MacKenzie Scott Grants $12 Million to Howard University College of Medicine for Innovation Center

Renowned author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has awarded a generous $12 million grant to the Howard University College of Medicine, adding to her remarkable contributions that have reached 360 organizations nationwide this year, as reported by The Dig. Notably, this substantial grant comes with no restrictions, allowing Howard University and the College of Medicine the flexibility to determine the most impactful use of the funds.

In a collaborative effort with the College of Engineering and Architecture, the College of Medicine has outlined plans to establish an innovation center using the grant. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a nexus for medical and engineering students, providing opportunities to delve into medical technology and collaborate on the development of new devices aimed at enhancing patient care.

Dean Andrea A. Hayes Dixon expressed enthusiasm about the transformative potential of the innovation center, stating, “The center will allow Howard University students, through the support of MacKenzie Scott, to be leaders in medical technology innovation. We intend to capitalize on the diverse knowledge base of our students—knowledge that could change how medicine is practiced throughout the world.”

MacKenzie Scott’s commitment to Howard University is not new. In 2020, as an alumna of Howard and a former student of the esteemed Toni Morrison, Scott made history with a remarkable $40 million donation to the university, marking the largest single donation in the school’s history. President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., emphasized that this latest gift further solidifies the College of Medicine as a world-class institution, attracting and retaining top talent in the field of medicine.

Expressing gratitude for Scott’s remarkable generosity, Vinson III, Ph.D., said, “We are extremely grateful to Ms. Scott for her amazing generosity and know that this gift will only strengthen us and, ultimately, the future of healthcare as our students learn to provide care that improves patient outcomes.”

This latest infusion of funds not only exemplifies MacKenzie Scott’s dedication to philanthropy but also underscores the pivotal role of visionary partnerships in advancing medical education, research, and innovation at institutions like the Howard University College of Medicine.