Dr. Frederick D. Patterson was a notable figure behind the establishment of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in 1944. As the president of Tuskegee University, he recognized the critical need for financial support to sustain historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The UNCF was pivotal in providing scholarships for thousands of African American students, significantly expanding access to higher education. Patterson's leadership in creating this fund exemplified his commitment to improving educational opportunities and upliftment for African Americans, and it has had a lasting impact on the African American community and higher education in the U.S.