Jeff Bezos’ ex-wife donates $63m to North Carolina A&T

MacKenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has made a landmark $63 million donation to North Carolina A&T, marking one of the largest donations in the university’s history.

North Carolina A&T confirmed that the donation will significantly accelerate its strategic push toward top-tier research status.

University Chancellor James R. Martin II said the contribution is one of the biggest ever received by the institution and bolsters long-term plans to expand academic programs and research capacity.

Leaders at North Carolina A&T said the donation will support the university’s pursuit of R1 status, a designation reserved for institutions with the highest levels of research activity.

The funding will help recruit research faculty, grow doctoral programs, and expand graduate enrollment to nearly 35%, aligning the school with major national research institutions.

Administrators noted that strengthening research infrastructure will also create economic opportunities across the region.

The university, which has recently added faculty and doubled Ph.D. enrollment, expects Scott’s gift to boost its visibility and competitiveness.

Notably, Scott, previously married to Bezos and now known as one of the world’s most active philanthropists, has increasingly directed her giving toward institutions serving diverse student communities.