Dr. Antonio Tillis’s Story of Giving Back

(Jan. 14, 2024) Antonio D. Tillis is a proud South Memphis native whose journey has taken him from the classrooms of Memphis Central High School to leading Rutgers University, Camden, as its chancellor. Recently, he opened a fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis to give back to the city that shaped him and to inspire others to do the same.

Growing up, Tillis experienced firsthand the power of community and generosity—values that shaped his life and career. He recalls how his family emphasized giving back, no matter their financial situation. “Memphis is my foundation,” he says. “I am because Memphis is.”

Tillis’s academic path has been nothing short of remarkable. After earning degrees from Vanderbilt University, Howard University, and the University of Missouri, he embarked on a career in education that took him to institutions like Purdue University, Dartmouth College, and the University of Houston. Along the way, he never lost sight of where he came from. His decision to leave the Ivy League and return to public education was a deliberate choice to connect with students and communities that reflected his own journey. “I left private Ivy League education to go into public education…to get back to a university that really spoke to who I was and from whence I had come,” he explains. 

Tillis’s passion for music, literature, and travel adds depth to his story. A lyric baritone, he has sung with choirs across the country and is an avid supporter of the performing arts. His collection of visual art from around the world reflects his love of culture and storytelling. Each piece, he explains, holds a special place in his heart. “It’s the tapestry of your life story…with every piece of art, there’s an amazing story.”

Tillis’s love for education and the arts drives his philanthropy. By opening a fund at the Community Foundation, he hopes to streamline his giving to local organizations while also supporting causes globally. His contributions extend to nonprofits in South Africa and beyond. He was especially pleased to learn that the foundation could support his vision. When he learned that the Community Foundation could accept complex assets like art, he saw new possibilities for his giving. “I was very pleased to know that the foundation is a vehicle by which I can utilize my art as currency for my philanthropic interests,” he shares. Through his donor-advised fund, he’s able to transform his creative assets into meaningful support for the causes that matter most to him.

Tillis has long championed Memphis-based arts organizations like Collage Dance Collective, the Memphis Symphony, and Hattiloo Theatre. He believes the arts have a unique ability to transform lives, particularly for young people. 

As he looks toward retirement in Memphis, Tillis   has been reflecting on his legacy and the impact he wants to leave behind. For him, giving back is about ensuring that his resources benefit the people and organizations that matter most. Through his fund, he hopes to inspire others to consider how they can make a difference. His story is a reminder of the power of generosity and the lasting impact it can have.

Tillis’s guiding philosophies, from Emerson’s “Hitch your wagon to a star” to Nike’s “Just do it,” highlight his belief in dreaming big and taking action. These values drive his efforts to uplift his community and inspire others. He sees his work not just as a personal mission, but to open doors for the next generation.