MacKenzie Scott donates $20 million to Meharry Medical College

• Meharry president James Hildreth said in an announcement that the money would go toward campus infrastructure upgrades and academic program expansion.

Between the lines: Scott, one of the richest people in the world, has pledged to give away most of her fortune. Her gift to Meharry came without strings — leaders are free to use it as they see fit.

The big picture: Meharry's mission is to increase the number of health care providers in poor and underserved communities. Hildreth said Scott's donation would be used to advance that goal and "transform the college."

What he's saying: "Meharry has been catapulted into the national spotlight over the last two years for our efforts in the fight against COVID-19," Hildreth said. "We have been working to address health disparities and improve health equity nationwide for a very long time."