Jarvis Christian University in Hawkins is set to receive $1 million as part of a significant gift from the James and Judith K. Dimon Foundation. The UNCF announced the $12 million donation from the foundation, aimed at strengthening endowments for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and expanding pathways in critical fields such as health care and education. University officials confirmed the $1 million designated for the Hawkins campus, which stands as the sole college in Wood County, will be used to support the development of new programs.
The university plans to treat the gift as an endowment, meaning the funds themselves will not be spent but rather invested to generate ongoing financial support. President Dr. Glenell M. Lee Pruitt indicated that the funding is crucial for introducing new academic and professional programs. One such program mentioned is a phlebotomy certification, which would allow students to enter the workforce directly, even while pursuing further education. This focus aligns with pressing needs within East Texas and across the state. A 2026 analysis highlighted that 55% of Texas' rural hospitals face a risk of closure, a situation already seen in Trinity County, which lost its sole hospital in 2025, forcing residents to drive 20 to 30 minutes for emergency medical care. The state also faces challenges in education, with nearly four in ten new teachers in Texas lacking full certification, according to data from the Texas Education Agency.
Students at Jarvis Christian University are already considering how they can contribute to addressing these shortages. Ja’Dareuse Simmons, a biology major, shared aspirations among his peers to establish medical practices in rural areas or explore possibilities for reopening hospitals that have closed. Similarly, Alexis Ojeda, an education major at Jarvis, observes a substantial literacy gap among children in East Texas through her work. Ojeda noted her concentration is English and literacy, and she is actively working on solutions, including plans for organizing writing and reading workshops to help improve literacy skills. These student-led initiatives demonstrate the university's commitment to preparing graduates who can directly impact their local communities.
The $1 million from the Dimon Foundation represents a step forward for Jarvis Christian University toward a broader financial objective. The university is in the process of building a $10 million endowment. With this latest contribution, Jarvis Christian University still needs to raise $4 million to achieve its total endowment goal, which is vital for long-term sustainability and program expansion. The university continues its efforts to secure the remaining funds for its $10 million endowment, with new programs in health care and education expected to develop and expand through this recent gift.
