 Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute, the forerunner of Huston-Tillotson University, founded by the American Missionary Association to provide educational opportunities for African-Americans, opened its doors in East Austin by 1881.The Austin Independent School District was established the same year.Before either UT or Huston-Tillotson opened their doors, however, St. Edward's Academy (the forerunner of today's St. Edward's University) was established by the Rev.