Hawkins, TX – April 18, 2025 — Jarvis Christian University is proud to announce that Ms. Gwendolyn Winters, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Development and Government Affairs Liaison with the Office of the President, has been named the 2025 Retool Your School Legacy Honoree by The Home Depot. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals whose commitment to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) has left a lasting impact on their institutions and communities.
The award was presented at the Retool Your School Awards Celebration on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s Delta Sky360 Club in Atlanta, Georgia. The event brought together leaders, advocates, and changemakers from across the HBCU landscape to honor institutions and individuals who are advancing the mission and future of Black higher education.
Ms. Winters’ selection as the 2025 Legacy Honoree reflects more than two decades of tireless service and leadership in higher education, philanthropy, and institutional growth. At Jarvis Christian University, she has played a pivotal role in expanding fundraising capacity, strengthening alumni engagement, and elevating the university’s national profile through strategic partnerships. Her vision and dedication have helped transform donor relations and capital project planning at Jarvis, ensuring that the institution remains competitive and vibrant in a changing educational landscape.
Known for her warm leadership style and relentless advocacy, Ms. Winters has inspired generations of students, colleagues, and stakeholders. She has led successful annual campaigns, stewarded major gift initiatives, and mentored young professionals in advancement—all while emphasizing the power of community-centered giving and historically rooted excellence. Her legacy of service is felt not only at Jarvis Christian University, but across the broader network of HBCUs she has supported throughout her career.
“This honor from The Home Depot is a tribute not only to my work but to the entire Jarvis Christian University community,” said Ms. Winters. “It’s a joy and privilege to serve an institution with such rich history and transformative potential. I accept this award with gratitude and a renewed commitment to helping HBCUs thrive for generations to come.”
Now in its 15th year, The Home Depot’s Retool Your School Program has invested over $9 million in campus improvement projects at HBCUs. The Legacy Honoree recognition is reserved for individuals who exemplify enduring leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the advancement of HBCUs nationwide.
President Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt praised Ms. Winters’ achievement, stating, “This recognition is well-deserved. Ms. Winters embodies the heart of Jarvis Christian University—resilient, visionary, and service-driven. Her leadership continues to pave the way for meaningful change.”
As Jarvis Christian University celebrates this milestone, the institution also reaffirms its commitment to investing in leaders who shape a brighter, stronger future for HBCUs. Ms. Gwendolyn Winters' recognition as the 2025 Retool Your School Legacy Honoree is not just a personal achievement—it is a proud moment for the entire Jarvis community.
For more information about the Retool Your School program, visit www.retoolyourschool.com
