In a moving tribute to the life and legacy of the late Honorable Sylvester M. Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs in Liberia, Huston-Tillotson University of the United States extended heartfelt condolences to his family and recognized his pivotal role in fostering educational and international partnerships. The university also used the occasion to sympathize with the government, especially President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and people of Liberia on the passing of a great statesman.
Professor Amb. Bill Rogers, former Liberian athlete, read and presented the official letter of condolence on behalf of Dr. Melva K. Wallace, PhD, President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University, to his beloved wife, Mrs. Cleopatra Sangay Grigsby, and their daughters.
He described the university’s special proclamation as “a deeply meaningful gesture” that honored Grigsby’s lifelong commitment to education and public service. The ceremony took place at the funeral of Hon. Grigsby on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
“The late Minister Grigsby was more than a statesman; he was a visionary who believed in the power of education to transform lives,” Professor Rogers said. “Huston-Tillotson University surprised us by issuing a special proclamation tribute to honor the Grigsby family, and it touched my heart deeply. His work and dedication continue to inspire us.”
Hon. Grigsby played a historic role in strengthening Liberia’s international educational ties. He was the first Liberian official to invite Huston-Tillotson University, under the leadership of its seventh president, Dr. Melva K. Wallace, to Liberia for the inauguration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in January 2024.
This invitation laid the foundation for a lasting partnership between the university and Liberia, promoting global education, service, and collaboration.
In the letter of condolence, Dr. Wallace emphasized Grigsby’s enduring impact:
“The Honorable Grigsby played an important role in linking Liberia and Huston-Tillotson University by extending an invitation for our President to represent the University during the inauguration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. That historic gesture established a relationship that continues to inspire our work in education, service, and global partnership.”
The letter further highlighted Professor Rogers’ role as Huston-Tillotson’s “unofficial ambassador to Liberia,” carrying forward the legacy of collaboration and friendship nurtured by Hon. Grigsby.
To his grieving family, including his beloved wife, Mrs. Cleopatra Sangay Grigsby, and their daughters, Dr. Wallace conveyed “our prayers, deepest sympathy, and gratitude for the lasting legacy he leaves behind.”
Professor Rogers concluded with an emotional reflection on the late minister’s vision and dedication: “Hon. Grigsby believed that education is the bridge between nations. Through his foresight and unwavering commitment, he created opportunities that will benefit generations of Liberians and strengthen international ties for years to come.”
About Dr. Melva K. Wallace
Dr. Melva K. Wallace has dedicated over twenty years to higher education as a transformative leader and national advocate. She currently serves as the seventh President and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University (HT), a premier HBCU in Austin, Texas. Under her leadership, HT has seen unprecedented growth in fundraising, student enrollment—including international and online students—and male student participation, which now comprises 55% of new students.
Known on social media as @MKWthe7th, Dr. Wallace is a Presidential Leadership Scholar, having studied under former Presidents George H.W. Bush, William J. Clinton, and George W. Bush. She is a recipient of the prestigious ATHENA award in Louisiana for professional excellence and community service and actively serves on multiple boards, including Centenary College of Louisiana, Christus Shumpert Hospital, Ballet Austin, Austin PBS, and the Black Fund.
Dr. Wallace has co-created innovative programs such as The Business of Trap Music course with rapper Tip T.I. Harris, featured in Forbes and Billboard magazines. She has also made historic contributions within the Southern University System and co-founded schools in Shreveport, Louisiana, providing education to over 1,000 students.
She holds an associate degree in criminal justice, a bachelor’s in mass communication, and a master’s in public administration from Grambling State University, and a Ph.D. in higher education from Jackson State University. Dr. Wallace is married to Dr. DL Wallace, founder of Success Training Institute and pastor of All Family Church Global, and together they champion educational access, leadership, and community service.
Hon. Sylvester M. Grigsby’s life was celebrated not only as a public servant of Liberia but also as a champion of education, a bridge-builder between nations, and a man whose legacy will endure in the hearts of his family, colleagues, and the global community.
