MacKenzie Scott is known today for giving away billions of dollars to charities, schools, and community organizations. However, long before she became one of the world’s most generous philanthropists, she was a young student with dreams of becoming a writer.
A key figure in that journey was acclaimed author Toni Morrison. The Nobel Prize-winning writer not only taught Scott at Princeton University but also became her mentor, editor, and advocate. Years later, Scott would credit many of her values and philanthropic beliefs to Morrison’s guidance.
Toni Morrison’s Mentorship Shaped MacKenzie Scott’s Future
Scott studied creative writing at Princeton University under Morrison, who served as her senior thesis advisor. At the time, Morrison was already a celebrated literary figure and had won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel Beloved.
Despite Morrison’s success, Scott hoped she would have the chance to learn from her. Still, she worried the famous author might not have enough time to mentor students closely.
Speaking at the dedication of Princeton’s Morrison Hall in 2017, Scott recalled her early thoughts about her professor.
“This woman was busy — there were a lot of demands on her time. I honestly expected to be on my own to nurture my own interest in writing with whatever she had left to give me.”
Instead, Scott discovered a mentor who was deeply invested in her students. She later remembered how Morrison carefully reviewed her work and guided her writing development page by page.
How Toni Morrison Helped MacKenzie Scott Launch Her Career
Morrison’s support extended far beyond the classroom. After Scott graduated from Princeton in 1992, the renowned author helped open professional doors for her.
A personal recommendation from Morrison reportedly helped Scott secure a job at the hedge fund D.E. Shaw. That opportunity would prove life-changing. It was at the company that Scott later met Jeff Bezos, the future founder of Amazon.
Morrison continued helping Scott build her career in other ways. She connected her with literary agent Amanda Urban and supported her work as an author.
The legendary writer also wrote a glowing endorsement for Scott’s novel, The Testing of Luther Albright. The book later won an American Book Award, adding another achievement to Scott’s growing career.
MacKenzie Scott Learned Lessons Beyond Writing
While Morrison helped Scott professionally, her greatest influence may have been personal. Scott admired how Morrison balanced multiple passions while excelling in each area.
The future billionaire said Morrison showed her that a person could pursue more than one calling in life. That lesson stayed with her as she became a writer, businesswoman, and philanthropist.
“This teaching thing was a true second passion. She has given me a real example of a life of passionate devotion to more than one calling.”
Morrison also recognized Scott’s talent and work ethic. In a later interview with Vogue, she described Scott as “one of the best students I’ve ever had in my creative-writing classes.”
Their relationship remained strong after college. Scott even worked as Morrison’s research assistant while the celebrated author was writing her novel Jazz.
MacKenzie Scott’s Philanthropy Reflects Toni Morrison’s Influence
Scott has often linked her charitable giving to the values she learned from her mentor. Over the years, she has donated billions of dollars to educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and underserved communities.
Many of her contributions have supported historically Black colleges and universities. Her donations to HBCUs have surpassed $1 billion, making her one of the largest individual supporters of these institutions.
Her commitment to education reflects the environment that shaped her own life. Through Morrison’s mentorship, Scott saw firsthand the power of investing in people and creating opportunities for future generations.
As a result, education has remained one of the central themes of her philanthropy.
Honoring Toni Morrison’s Legacy Through Giving
After Morrison’s death in 2019, Scott found meaningful ways to honor the woman who helped shape her future.
Three years later, she donated $3 million to Howard University, Morrison’s alma mater. The gift helped establish the Toni Morrison Endowed Chair in Arts and Humanities.
That same year Morrison passed away, Scott joined the Giving Pledge, an initiative encouraging wealthy individuals to donate the majority of their fortunes to charitable causes.
Since then, Scott has donated more than $19 billion. Yet her fortune has remained among the largest in the world. Forbes currently estimates her net worth at approximately $32 billion.
Her story highlights the lasting impact of mentorship. A young student once hoped to take a single class with Toni Morrison. Instead, she gained a mentor whose guidance influenced her career, her values, and her commitment to giving back.
Through her philanthropy, Scott continues to extend the lessons she learned from one of the most influential Black women in American history.
