Feel the Thunder
Press Release
MacKenzie Scott Gifts $22 Million to United Tribes Technical College
Historic gift anchors UTTC’s “Feel the Thunder” campaign for gymnasium and campus improvements
January 2026
BISMARCK, ND — In a landmark investment in American Indian higher education, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has made a one-time, unrestricted gift of $22 million to United Tribes Technical College (UTTC), the largest donation in the institution’s 56-year history.
The gift comes amid a year of unprecedented philanthropy from Scott, who donated a record $7.2 billion in 2025, with a significant focus on higher education, including Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). According to Yield Giving, Scott’s philanthropy is guided by quiet research to identify organizations advancing opportunity in underserved communities and demonstrating strong leadership, stable finances, measurable outcomes, and sustained impact.
“We are deeply grateful for MacKenzie Scott’s generosity,” said UTTC President Dr. Leander ‘Russ’ McDonald. “These funds arrive at a critical moment as we seek philanthropic support to expand our gymnasium, add a wellness center component, grow athletic programming, and enhance academic health offerings—with the intentional goal of increasing enrollment and student success.”
UTTC leadership has relied on extensive campus community input and institutional data to inform its campus master plan and campaign priorities. These efforts have already contributed to increased student persistence, retention, and graduation rates. Scott’s gift will serve as the anchor for UTTC’s comprehensive capital campaign, “Feel the Thunder: Creating Community at UTTC,” which is dedicated to campus improvements that benefit students, the Bismarck–Mandan community, and the tribal nations served by UTTC.
Because Tribal Colleges and Universities receive limited public funding for new construction and major renovations, Scott’s gift will primarily support nine construction-related projects as part of Phase 1 of the campaign. The new gymnasium is the top priority, with full or supplemental funding directed to the following projects:
- All Nations Circle – North Road Replacement
- Jack Brown Center (JBC) Exterior Replacement Project
- House Removal Project
- Sakakawea Residence Hall Remodel Project
- Bus Garage Fence & Gutter Project
- Science and Technology Center (STC) Expansion Project
- Wellness Solar Microgrid Project
- Cafeteria Roof Replacement Project
Phase 2 of the campaign will focus on expansion of the gymnasium to the west, including cardiovascular and strength-training equipment and an indoor walking track to support academic programming and campus wellness initiatives.
Phase 3 will expand the facility to the east, adding two classrooms, athletic department offices, locker rooms, and storage space. These classrooms will support growth in UTTC’s Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) academic programs, which are especially popular among student-athletes.
Beyond the gymnasium, the “Feel the Thunder” campaign will offer donors opportunities to help build new community spaces on campus, expand science and technology resources, improve the Child Development Center, fund student scholarships, and strengthen UTTC athletics.
“The capital campaign assessment process was nearly complete when I was contacted by the MacKenzie Scott team,” said Dr. McDonald. “It felt like a blessing rather than a coincidence. This gift provides a strong foundation that will have both immediate and long-term impact, especially as we see a positive demographic shift with more students coming directly to college from high school. It also motivates us to work even harder to raise the remaining funds needed to fully implement our master plan.”
“This investment not only jumpstarts our capital campaign, but it also affirms the vital role Tribal Colleges and Universities play in advancing education, self-determination, and community wellbeing,” McDonald added. “UTTC stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, and this support reinforces the importance of Native-led education.”
Community members, alumni, and supporters are invited to learn more about MacKenzie Scott’s gift and the Feel the Thunder Capital Campaign by visiting:
https://uttc.edu/about-uttc/capital-campaign/
Those interested in supporting the Feel the Thunder Capital Campaign may make a contribution at:
https://givebutter.com/iLCMya
For custom giving amounts or major gift opportunities, please contact Courtney Lawrence, College Relations Director, at clawrence@uttc.edu or 701-221-1491.
United Tribes Technical College is deeply grateful for the continued support of its donors and partners who help advance its mission and empower Native students to thrive.
About United Tribes Technical College
United Tribes Technical College is a private tribal land-grant tribal college and university providing quality postsecondary education and workforce training to enhance knowledge, diversity, and leadership for all Indigenous nations. Founded in 1969, UTTC enrolls 513 students—67% from North Dakota—representing 42 tribal nations, and offers certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees across 20 programs of study.
Learn more at www.uttc.edu.
