Prairie View Raises Another Pillar in Honor of Elder Harold G. Tisdell, Sr.

Celebration of Life Announced for Elder Harold Gene Tisdell, Sr. Faithful Pastor, Entrepreneur, Educator, Inventor, Mentor, and Servant Leader Remembered for a Life of Faith and Service

PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS— The family, congregation, and community of Elder Harold Gene Tisdell, Sr. announce funeral arrangements celebrating the life and legacy of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, entrepreneur, educator, inventor, and servant leader whose life of faith and service touched generations. Elder Tisdell passed away on September 5, 2026.

Elder Tisdell was born January 9, 1940, in Montgomery, Texas, to the late Reverend and Mrs. Jim Tisdell. The fourth of four children, he attended Prairie View Training School and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Houston, Texas.

On April 16, 1957, he married his school sweetheart, Mrs. Bobbie Claretta Williams Tisdell, beginning a marriage marked by enduring love and devotion. Together, they became the proud parents of five children—Debra, Pamela, Harold, Jr., Darron, and Mark—and grandparents of Hope, Ebony, Amber, and Mark, Jr. He also cherished his daughters-in-law, Donnie and Gail.

A Life Transformed by Faith

In 1958, Elder Tisdell was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. His spiritual development was nurtured under the guidance and tutelage of the late Superintendent Thomas Johnson, a relationship that would profoundly influence his life and ministry.

In 1968, Elder Tisdell began preaching at the former Waller Church of God in Christ, now Bailey Chapel Church of God in Christ, in Waller, Texas, under the pastorate of Superintendent Johnson.

Before accepting the pastorate of New Bethel Temple Church of God in Christ, Elder Tisdell served as pastor of Calvert Church of God in Christ for one year and Yell’s Chapel Church of God in Christ for 27 years.

His pastoral ministry became characterized by prayer, compassion, mentorship, and a deep commitment to meeting the spiritual and practical needs of people.

A Pioneer in Industry and Entrepreneurship

Elder Tisdell’s legacy extended beyond the pulpit. He was among the first Black welders employed by General Electric at its 11th Street location in Houston, Texas. During his tenure, he developed an invention that saved the company significant time and money and earned him recognition as the company’s Most Outstanding Suggestor of the Year.

He later worked with Travis Body and Trailer in Houston, contributing to the construction and manufacture of aluminum dump trailers.

In the early 1970s, Elder Tisdell shared his knowledge and expertise as a welding instructor in the Industrial Education Department at Prairie View A&M University, where he taught for approximately four years.

In 1975, through hard work, determination, and entrepreneurial vision, he established Bestway Trailer Repair. The successful business operated for more than 30 years and provided employment opportunities for six of his former students.

A pioneer in his field, Elder Tisdell designed and introduced a round-bottom steel dump trailer, an innovation that became widely used in the industry.

He later established Tisdell Trucking in Houston, eventually retiring from the business to devote himself more fully to ministry and service.

Building a Legacy at New Bethel Temple

Elder Tisdell was appointed pastor of New Bethel Temple Church of God in Christ upon the recommendation and spiritual direction received by the late Superintendent Thomas Johnson.

Under Elder Tisdell’s leadership, the congregation witnessed the fulfillment of a vision carried forward by previous pastors, including Elder Joseph Jones, Elder Willie Scott, and Superintendent Thomas Johnson.

During his tenure, the church’s present beautiful edifice was completed and dedicated on February 18, 1996.

Through prayerful leadership, stewardship, and perseverance, Elder Tisdell guided New Bethel Temple toward an early payoff of its financial obligations while maintaining a vision for continued growth and expansion.

A Servant to the Church and Community

Elder Tisdell’s service extended throughout the Church of God in Christ and into the broader community. He served as Superintendent of Waller District #2 and in the Texas Southwest First Jurisdiction. He also served as the District Financial Expediter and State Y.P.W.W. President for Texas Southwest.

His ministry was distinguished by a broad heart and a genuine concern for people from every walk of life.

He was particularly passionate about young people, serving as a mentor and source of encouragement to youth both within the church and throughout the community. His wisdom, example, and willingness to invest in the lives of others inspired many to pursue greater possibilities for themselves.

Senior citizens held a special place in his heart, and they returned that affection by lovingly referring to him as “Son” and “Friend.”

For generations, Elder Tisdell demonstrated that leadership is not merely about a title or position—it is about faithfulness, service, sacrifice, innovation, mentorship, and leaving people and communities better than you found them.

His life embodied the intersection of faith and family, ministry and marketplace, education and entrepreneurship, leadership and service.

Funeral Arrangements

Family, friends, members of the New Bethel Temple Church of God in Christ congregation, and the community are invited to join in honoring Elder Harold Gene Tisdell, Sr.

VISITATION

September 25, 2026 - 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT Singleton & Sons Funeral Home 627 New Orleans Street Hempstead, TX 77445 (979) 826-2425 www.singletonandsonsfh.com VIEWING

September 26, 2026 - 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CT New Bethel Temple Church of God in Christ 6911 Homestead Road Houston, TX 77028 FUNERAL SERVICE

September 26, 2026 - 11:00 a.m. CT New Bethel Temple Church of God in Christ As family, friends, and the community gather to celebrate his life, Elder Harold Gene Tisdell, Sr. will be remembered not simply for what he accomplished, but for the lives he touched, the people he mentored, the faith he demonstrated, the innovations he created, and the legacy he leaves behind.

A Life of Faith. A Legacy of Service. A Lifetime of Impact.

May God continue to bless and strengthen the Tisdell family, the New Bethel Temple Church of God in Christ congregation, and all who mourn while celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Elder Harold Gene Tisdell, Sr.

Prairie View Raises Another Pillar for Lois Faye Brown

The City of Prairie View and the Prairie View Family have raised another pillar in the passing of Mrs. Lois Faye Ford Brown who passed on September 1, 2026.

Lois Faye was born on September 15, 1939, in Tyler, Texas, to Willie Coy Ford Sr. and Catherine (Crawford) Ford. As the fifth of eleven children, she was raised in a warm and faith-filled Christian home.

An exceptional student, Lois graduated third in her class from Dixie High School in Tyler, Texas, as a member of the Class of 1956. She then matriculated at Prairie View A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1961. During her undergraduate years, she was a member of the campus dance ensemble and reigned as Veterans Queen. Prairie View is also where she met Marshall Brown Jr., the love of her life. They married on December 24, 1961, beginning a remarkable 65-year partnership defined by mutual love and unwavering dedication.

After completing her degree, she accepted a teaching position in Lufkin, Texas. She would relocate and join Marshall in Los Angeles, California. During their union two children were born, Metoya Brown Harvey and Mia Lynn Brown.

Lois served as a Park Director for the City of Los Angeles, a role where all of her creative talents truly shone. An exceptional seamstress, she designed and handcrafted many of the costumes for the elaborate shows she produced. Her programs achieved widespread recognition, leading the City of Los Angeles to invite her students to perform at the inauguration of Mayor Tom Bradley, the city's first African-American mayor. Additionally, her dance students made live television appearances on local morning programs.

In 1977, the Browns relocated to Prairie View, Texas, where Lois pursued further education, earning her Master of Education in August 1978.

She subsequently joined the Waller Independent School District, where she enjoyed a distinguished 26-year career as an educator and department head. Recognized as Teacher of the Year, she left an enduring legacy and shaped the lives of countless students and colleagues.

Lois gave her life to God at a young age and continued her walk of faith alongside her family at Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church. She sang in the choir and was active in many church ministries. What she cherished most was helping students prepare for the annual Black History program—a tradition that brought her immense pride and joy.

Lois maintained a lifelong commitment to community and professional service, holding leadership roles and memberships in the Zeta Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Prairie View Local Chapter of the Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association—where she served as president, the Prairie View Retired Teachers and School Personnel Association, and Meals on Wheels.

Lois was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Mia Lynn Brown; her parents; her sister, Eula Mae Ware; and her brothers, Ralph, Larry, and Brady Ford.

She leaves a legacy carried on by her devoted husband, Marshall Brown Jr., and her daughter, Metoya Brown Harvey. She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren—Aklilu Harvey Jr., Maia Harvey, and Adonai Harvey—and her great grandson, Aklilu Noah Harvey. Lois is also survived by her brother, Willie Coy Ford Jr. (Joyce), and her sisters, Verdell Thomas, Ida Birdinia Todd, Barbara Ford of Tyler, Texas, Gloria Gray (James) of Garland, Texas, and Jackie Ford of Tyler, Texas. Her memory will be cherished by a large circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

Condelences may be sent to:

The Lois Brown Family c/o Singleton and Sons Funeral Home 627 New Orleans Hempstead, TX 77445

Remembering a Legend: Dr. Alvin I. Thomas

On this day, September 1, we mark the birthday of Dr. Alvin I. Thomas, the third president of Prairie View A&M University, (formerly Prairie View Agricultural & Mechanical College), Texas’ second oldest state institution of higher education (1966)

Today, is profound pleasure to remember and recognize the distinguished service and dynamic leadership of Dr. Alvin I. Thomas as president of Prairie View A&M University for more than fifteen years. In capturing the successes of Dr. Thomas’ tenure, many would have various points to make, however, we’ve attempted to capture the essence of his commitment to excellence, total engagement of the faculty, staff and students and the community at large. In the end, borrowing from Frank Sinatra’s “I did it my way,” we can say, that Dr. Alvin I. Thomas did it his way!

Dr. Thomas began his academic journey at Holy Ghost and Corpus Christi Catholic Schools before graduating from McDonogh No. 35 Public School. He studied at Xavier University of Louisiana before being drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, serving honorably across Europe and Asia. After the war, he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State College, where he was inducted into multiple honor societies. He later completed his Ph.D. at Ohio State University in 1957.

A Legacy of Visionary Leadership

Dr. Thomas’ legacy of visionary leadership journey manifested with his employment at Prairie View A&M Univeristy in 1949, serving as a faculty member, professor, Director of the Technology Division, and Dean of the College of Industrial Education and Technology for some ten years.

Early in his presidency, Dr. Thomas convened the Centennial Council—an assembly of over 100 leaders from academia, business, government, and clergy—to develop a strategic plan for the university’s future. Their work culminated in the publication of A Developmental Plan, 1970–1980 for Prairie View A&M University, a blueprint that continues to shape institutional progress. Key outcomes of the plan included: Incorporation of the City of Prairie View (1969); Launch of Community Chess, a civic engagement initiative; Major campus renovations and expansion; Acquisition of the Hermann Building in the Texas Medical Center for the College of Nursing; Establishment of the Kiki De La Garza International Dairy Goat Research Center. In 1973, the Texas Legislature officially renamed the institution Prairie View A&M University and reaffirmed its status as an independent unit of the Texas A&M University System.

A Champion for Equity and Innovation

Dr. Thomas was a tireless advocate for Prairie View’s inclusion in the Permanent University Fund and proposed the establishment of law and medical schools under the Office of Civil Rights agreement (1982–84). Though these schools were not realized during his tenure, his groundwork laid the foundation for future advocacy and institutional ambition. His leadership philosophy emphasized pluralism, ethical development, and community engagement. He believed Prairie View’s mission was to cultivate human capital—instilling moral values, cultural literacy, and professional excellence to strengthen democracy and empower self-sufficiency.

Institutional Growth and Enduring Philosophies

Dr. Thomas’s leadership philosophy catalyzed the creation of numerous undergraduate and graduate degree programs, contributing to a more than 30% increase in university enrollment. The annual graduates rose from 605 in 1966 to 1,135 in 1982—a testament to his commitment to academic excellence and student success. Among his proudest achievements was the establishment of the Navy ROTC Program at Prairie View A&M University—the first and only such unit at a historically Black university. With support from then-Congressman George H. W. Bush of Texas’s 7th District, the program commissioned its first class of officers in 1970, affectionately known as the “New Golden 13.” Under Dr. Thomas’s administration, Prairie View commissioned more African American Naval Officers than any other institution outside the U.S. Naval Academy. Army officer commissions also surged, increasing from 25 to nearly 100 annually.

These core values laid the foundation for the Operation Success Program, launched in the 1970s to promote holistic student development through academic, personal and social, economic, physical and environmental sustainability. In November 1974, following Homecoming, Dr. Thomas introduced the enduring slogan: “Prairie View Produces Productive People”—a rallying cry that remains embedded in the university’s identity.

Student Empowerment and Cultural Legacy To recognize student achievement and leadership, Dr. Thomas oversaw the establishment of 21 academic honor societies between 1966 and 1982, including Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society. In 1969, he commissioned members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council to charter social fraternities and sororities at the university. By December 1970, all nine organizations were formally installed, along with the undergraduate Pan-Hellenic Council. His commitment to student visibility extended to national platforms. In 1969, Prairie View A&M University became the only historically Black institution to purchase a franchise in the Miss Texas/Miss America Scholarship Pageant. In 1970, Margaret Penn (Sherrod) became the first Black contestant in the Texas pageant. Over the years, Miss PVAMU contestants earned multiple recognitions, including Dellenor Miles, who placed Fourth Runner-Up in 1984. That legacy expanded in September 1985 when Lillie Taylor was crowned Miss Collegiate Black America, the first to hold a national pageant title.

Innovation Amid Adversity

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, as campuses nationwide faced student unrest, Prairie View experienced its own share of protests and demonstrations. Dr. Thomas responded with decisive action, initiating a campus shutdown and restructuring student governance. In the wake of these events, he introduced a suite of innovative programs modeled after successful initiatives at Yale University. These included: Senior Fellow/Junior Fellow Residence Hall Programs; Required Nursing Health Concepts course focused on holistic wellness and institutional history; Operation Success Program (later formalized into a booklet for the whole campus); University Without Walls and Weekend College for adult learners; Engineering Concepts Institute, MITE, Premedical Concepts Institute; Operation Vanguard (recruitment with a purpose), Project Pride, Century II Book Review; Pride of Prairie View Club to build self-esteem and leadership. Additionally, Dr. Thomas created the motto: “Prairie View Produces Productive People” a spinoff from the recap of the 1974 Homecoming activities concerning pride in Prairie View. His servant leadership style fostered a culture of recognition, including monthly faculty/staff awards and birthday celebrations for students.

Elevating the Arts

While engineering, nursing, education, and business flourished, Dr. Thomas also championed the elevation of the arts. Under his leadership: The Charles Gilpin Players performed at the Kennedy Center with “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope,” directed by C. Lee Turner, mentor to Tony Award winner Jennifer Holliday; The University Chorale released its first album under Dr. Robert A. Henry; PVAMU students participated in the Houston Grand Opera’s staging of Treemonisha, the first Black American opera by Scott Joplin, which later opened on Broadway featuring alumni Cora Johnson and Dorceal Duckens.

Global Engagement and Civic Leadership

Dr. Thomas’s altruism extended far beyond campus with global engagement and civic leadership. He served as a consultant to Dow Chemical, Litton Industries, and Westinghouse, and held appointments on: The White House Conference on Children and Youth; The Governor’s Commission on Rural Development and Committees of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. He played a pivotal role in the incorporation of the City of Prairie View (1968–69) through the Prairie View Community Chess initiative. Internationally, Dr. Thomas led consultative missions to Liberia, helping restructure the Booker T. Washington Technical Institute. In 1979, the university officials returned to Liberia to establish the College of Agriculture and Vertical Technology Transfer. He was also a member of President George H. W. Bush’s 1981 delegation to observe elections in Namibia. In 1973, at the recommendation of Dr. Doris L. Johnson, Senate President of the Bahamas, he established the Prairie View–Bahamas Friendship Scholarship Program, later supported by the Bahamas Government, resulting in over 200 Bahamian students earning degrees from PVAMU. Dr. Thomas also established the Kiki De LeGarza International Dairy Goat Research Center which extended its capabilities to Ethiopia and Egypt.

Honors, Legacy, and Final Reflections

To commemorate the university’s centennial, Dr. Thomas organized its first Capital Fund Campaign, culminating in the Centennial Endowment Banquet in 1978. His accolades include: Epsilon Pi Tau Laureate Citation for Administrative Leadership; Distinguished Alumni Awards from Kansas State and Ohio State; Holt Fellow, Yale University; Outstanding Educational Service Medal (Republic of Liberia); Eagle Scout and Silver Beaver Awards (Boy Scouts of America) and Distinguished Civilian Service Medals from the U.S. Army and Department of Defense.

He served on the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (Houston Branch), chairing from 1977–1979. In 1979, he was featured in Texas Monthly’s “Hey Kid, Shape Up,” spotlighting first-generation student success. The article received mixed reviews, however, one of notable response was a $100K gift from Mrs. Louise Merrick of Tyler, Texas. “I was fascinated that we still have persons who cared about the students and were teaching essential skills that you got outside of classroom,” Mrs. Merrick responded.

Dr. Thomas held memberships in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapter) and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Nu Boule Houston).

From 1982 to 1983, he served as Executive Vice President for External Development, and later as Director of the Houston Nursing Facility, overseeing the construction of a 12-story College of Nursing building and the launch of the Master’s in Nursing program. He retired in 1992, but continued to serve as President Emeritus at the PVAMU College of Nursing in the Texas Medical Center. In 2003, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents formally named the Alvin I. Thomas Administration Building in his honor.

“Dynamic Changes for Success and Progress”

Dr. Alvin I. Thomas often described his tenure as a period of “Dynamic Changes . . . for Success and Progress”—not just for a historically Black institution, but for a university of the first class, as enshrined in the Texas Constitution.

In capturing his legacy, we honor a leader whose vision, courage, and commitment to excellence transformed Prairie View A&M University and empowered generations to come. And in the spirit of Frank Sinatra’s timeless refrain, we proudly affirm: Dr. Alvin I. Thomas did it his way.

Honoring a Centennial Legacy

As we celebrate Dr. Alvin I. Thomas’s centennial, we honor his enduring legacy of service, scholarship, and visionary leadership. His contributions continue to resonate across campus and throughout the broader HBCU community. For more information or to share tributes, please contact prairieviewtoday@gmail.com.

The Passing of The Torch

Dr. Thomas passed away on September 25, 2013 in Houston, Texas . . . his legacy lives on!

Prairie View Mayor Alexander to Keynote Men’s Prayer Breakfast at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal

Prairie View Mayor Nathan Alexander III, is the guest speaker for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. The event will take place in the Parish Hall of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, located at 2000 Phillip Street, Prairie View, Texas.

Attendance and the breakfast are free to the public. Community members planning to attend are asked to register at https://shorturl.at/f9PDY or RSVP confirmation to stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net.

Mayor Alexander, a graduate of Prairie View A&M University and The University of Texas School of Law, has dedicated his career to civic engagement, voting rights advocacy, and youth empowerment. First elected to the Prairie View City Council at age 22 in 2020, he previously interned in the Texas Legislature and alongside the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. On May 2, 2026, he was elected as the 13th Mayor of Prairie View, making history as the city's youngest mayor in the last 30 years.

In addition to his governmental service, Mayor Alexander has demonstrated a strong commitment to community leadership, serving on the Board of Directors of Camp Fire North Texas and supporting programs that empower youth and families.

Throughout his career, Mayor Alexander has remained dedicated to protecting voting rights, strengthening civic participation, and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders. His leadership is guided by a belief that government works best when it is transparent, accessible, and responsive to the people it serves.

Alexander is a member of the Association for Young Elected Officials and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

All are welcome to this community gathering of fellowship, faith, and inspiration.

Remembering the Historic Day Dr. Ruth J. Simmons Took the Helm at Prairie View A&M

The Ambition of Service: The Transformative Presidency of Dr. Ruth J. Simmons

On this date, July 1, 2017, Dr. Ruth Simmons made history when she took the helm as interim President of Prairie View A&M University. Simmons is the first woman selected to lead the 138-year-old university in Prairie View, Texas.

Simmons, an accomplished academician and leader, was confirmed to the position in an unprecedented special call meeting of the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System on June 19, 2017.

“We are fortunate to have such a high-caliber scholar and administrator who can step in without missing a beat,” said Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp. “Dr. Simmons has been an important figure on the national stage for decades. She has the credentials to be the president of any university in America. I am so excited to have her join us.”

This return to her Texas roots came after Dr. Simmons originally stepped down from the presidency of Brown University in 2012, where she had intended to enjoy retirement surrounded by family and friends. Having already put together one of the most storied careers in American higher education—serving as the 18th president of Brown University (making her the first Black president of an Ivy League institution), leading Smith College as its first Black president, and holding leadership roles at Princeton and Spelman—she had nothing left to prove.

Yet, her profound commitment to student achievement and deep Texas ties pulled her back into the arena. Born into a poor family of 12 children in Grapeland, Texas, at a time when colleges were just beginning to desegregate, she understood firsthand the life-changing power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Her brother had attended PVAMU, and she viewed the opportunity as a personal way to give back to her community. From the very beginning, she made it clear that she had no intention of being a passive placeholder:

"I am coming into the position with great ambition and a willingness to take on the big projects. Just be mindful that I wouldn't take a position just to twiddle my thumbs. If I am going to be lazy, I would rather that be on my own time."

True to her word, her first order of business was to listen, learn, and dive straight into the issues facing the campus community. Recognizing the immense vision and momentum she brought to the campus, the Texas A&M University System quickly dropped the temporary label, confirming her as the official 8th President of Prairie View A&M University on December 4, 2017.

What followed was a historic five-year tenure of transformation that completely elevated the university’s national profile. Dr. Simmons injected a culture of transparency, strict fiscal accountability, and institutional respectability, always centering her decisions around student development. Under her visionary leadership, the university became an R2 research university and she also engineered unprecedented financial milestones for the university. Most notably, she received an historic $50 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. In a profound full-circle moment of academic legacy, Scott had been a student of Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison—whom Dr. Simmons had famously hired years earlier during her own tenure as Vice Provost at Princeton. This initial act of generosity dramatically increased the university's endowment and catalyzed a powerful continuum of support; it directly inspired MacKenzie Scott to return with a second, record-shattering $63 million gift—the largest single donation in the university's 149-year history—affirming the incredible long-term momentum Dr. Simmons set in motion.

After anchoring the university through these pivotal years, Dr. Simmons made the difficult and emotional decision to pass the torch to the next generation of leadership. While the announcement came as a shock to a campus riding high on her momentum, Dr. Simmons selflessly emphasized that the university's future required a new leader to carry out its upcoming strategic goals. In her departing letter, she issued a characteristic call to action for the university she had come to love:

"Prairie View A&M is nowhere near what it could ultimately achieve as an institution of the first class. Our students deserve more, and we must provide it for them. As we undergo our strategic planning, it is evident to me that a new leader must assume responsibility for advancing the University to a new level of excellence in student outcomes, faculty achievement and research output."

Chancellor John Sharp later remarked that bringing Dr. Simmons out of retirement to lead Prairie View was one of the proudest achievements of his career. Though she stepped down from the day-to-day presidency, she left PVAMU permanently changed, firmly set on a trajectory of top-tier academic success, and forever marked by her inspiring legacy.

True to her lifelong ethos of service, Dr. Simmons’ impact on higher education only continued to expand after stepping down from the PVAMU presidency. She subsequently assumed the role of senior adviser to the president of Harvard University, intentionally focusing on engagement and relationships with HBCUs. In this pivotal role, she has been key to implementing a collaborative research and program initiative between the Ivy League and HBCUs, designed to help partner institutions achieve elite Carnegie Research R2 and R1 designations. Simultaneously, as a President’s Distinguished Fellow at Rice University, she leads vital initiatives aimed at increasing the pipeline of minority professionals entering graduate programs to become the next generation of professors and research scientists—ensuring that her visionary leadership continues to shape the future of American academia.

Special Tribute Song

Prairie View Councilman Jaquavous Doucette Is Men's Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis - May 16

St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie View will host its Men’s Prayer Breakfast on May 16, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall, 2000 Phillip Street. All are welcome to this community gathering of fellowship, faith, and inspiration. Please register at stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net or call 936‑857‑3272, https://shorturl.at/f9PDY.

The featured speaker is Jaquavous Doucette, newly elected Councilman for the City of Prairie, sworn in on May 11, 2026.

Council Doucette is a May graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Doucette was a dedicated student leader at Prairie View A&M University who served simultaneously as President of the Student Government Association (SGA) and Student Regent for The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

As the SGA President he led efforts focused on advocacy, communication, and for the students and community engagement. In September 2025, Governor Greg Abbott appointed him to serve as Student Regent for The Texas A&M University System, a statewide role where he represents more than 150,000 students and helps guide policy and accountability.

Doucette holds membership in several campus organizations, including the Collegiate 100, the NAACP, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Doucette campaigned on four key priorities: restoring trust in local government, strengthening the partnership between the city and the university, improving infrastructure and basic city services, and ensuring responsible growth and development. He is looking forward to the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities that come with the position.

Inaugural Prairie View Blackberry Festival: May 16, 2026

PRAIRIE VIEW, TX — The Blackberry Festival of Prairie View debuts Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at City Hall (44500 US Business 290). Sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. — Prairie View Alumnae Chapter, this inaugural event celebrates local culture and heritage.

Highlights Include: Live Music: Headliners Brown Sugar at 5:30 p.m. and B.I.G at 8:00 p.m. Food: Diverse vendors and signature blackberry treats and pie contest. Family Fun: Children’s bounce house and activities.

Free entrance/Parking $10.00.

Join us to celebrate the harvest and our community. For more information, contact Shawnequa Wright – 469-879-5006

Recognizing the Anniversary of the Inauguration of Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande as the 9th President of PVAMU

March 22, 2024 was a momentous day in higher education for the State of Texas with the inauguration of Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande, as the 9th and second female president of Prairie View A&M University.

More than 80 representatives from academia and learned societies and community organizations were on hand to salute Dr. LeGrande. Mr. Bill Mahones, Chairman of the Board of Regents for The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), welcomed the students, staff, faculty and guests to the auspicious event. He commended Dr. LeGrande for the wealth of experience that she brings to PVAMU and the system and pledged his full support.

LeGrande comes from humble beginnings and is a two-time HBCU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Savannah State University and a master’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University. She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta, a historically Black sorority. She later earned the doctorate of education in higher education administration from Texas Tech University. After graudion, LeGrande returned to North Carolina A&T as a graduate recruiter. That springboarded her into a career focused on admissions and student success, taking her to Winston-Salem State University and the University of Houston-Downtown in rising positions; and later as the Vice President for Student Enrollment and Success at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she is credited for enhancing and growing the enrollment through student success and college accessibility initiatives.

Persons paying homage to Dr. LeGrande included Carlotta Picket, LeGrande's sister, Mr. Herbert R. Thomas, Chairman of the Staff Council, Dr. David Rembert, Chairman of the Faculty Senate, Mr. Mark Falls, President of the PVAMU National Alumni Association and Miss Gabrielle Orji, President of SGA. “She carries with her the hopes and aspirations of faculty, staff, administrators and the student body,” ssociation President Orji said. “I have no doubt that she will rise to the occasion for Prairie View.”

The speaker for the inuaguration was Dr. Brenda Allen, 14th President of Lincoln University - Pennsylvania and mentor of Dr. LeGrande. Dr. Allen shared her admiration and respect for Dr. LeGrande and encouraged the students, faculty, staff and alumni, board of regents and legislative persons to do the same. The PVAMU Singers/University Chorale made a rousing tribute of I'll Rise Up.

Tributes for Dr. LeGrande’s inauguration were led by family and university leaders, including her sister Carlotta Picket, and university representatives Mr. Herbert R. Thomas, Chairman of the Staff Council, Dr. David Rembert, Chairman of the Faculty Senate, Mr. Mark Falls, President of the PVAMU National Alumni Association.

SGA President Gabrielle Orji expressed the student body’s confidence, stating that LeGrande carries the university's collective aspirations and will undoubtedly rise to the occasion. The PVAMU Singers and University Chorale performed a powerful rendition of "I’ll Rise Up," a special tribute for the occasion.

Keynoting the event, Dr. Brenda Allen, President of Lincoln University and mentor to Dr. LeGrande, shared her admiration for the new leadership and urged the campus community and legislators to offer their full support.

TAMUS Chancellor John Sharp officially installed Dr. LeGrande with the presidential medallion and mace, pledging the System’s full financial and structural support to achieve her goals for the university.

Following a formal investiture by Mr. Bill Mahones, TAMUS Chancellor John Sharp presented Dr. LeGrande with the presidential medallion and mace. Sharp reaffirmed the System's commitment to funding and supporting her strategic goals. Other distinguished guests luminaries offering commendations and symbolic honors included Ronald Reynolds Texas State Representative, standing in for the late U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee; Ronald Leverett Mayor of Prairie View, who presented Dr. LeGrande with the Key to the City; Cynthia Jackson Hammond representing the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and Stan Kitzman Texas State Representative.

Drawing inspiration from PVAMU’s 1876 origins on a former plantation to its current status as a home for over 7,500 students, Dr. LeGrande articulated a vision of "eminence." She aims to transform the university into a premier, research-intensive public HBCU and a national model for student success. "Any time the wind blows on this campus, I feel hands pushing me on my back, pushing us forward to face new challenges," LeGrande concluded.

To jumpstart this vision, she announced PV Cares, a student support model launching this fall that provides every undergraduate with a dedicated academic adviser, financial counselor, and career coach. Dr. LeGrande concluded by thanking her family, the TAMUS Board, and the university community for their support in pushing the institution toward this new chapter.

The 2026 Anniversary of her inauguration was celebrated with the Presidential Scholarship Gala at the Woodlands Waterway Mariott Hotel and Convention Center, under the theme “Investing in Brilliance,” highlighting the University’s commitment to expanding access and opportunity for its students.

The event hosted by FOX 26 Houston’s DaLaun Dillard and Denise Middleton and featured dynamic performances from Prairie View A&M’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, as well as musical group Hybrid 7 and acclaimed DJ, Spinderella, all added to the vision and display of brilliance.

President LeGrande provided a Status of the University Report on her achievements to date, which include a milestone enrollment of 10,100 students, second largest for HBCU's, increase in philanthropic donations, most notably the $63 Million from McKenzie Scott and others.

The major highligts of the evening were the testimonies of the outstanding students lauding their choice to attend Prairie View A&M University and $1.1 Million Dollars raised for the scholarships, the plea led by Jeff Shaw, vice president for University Advancement, were met with enthusiastic applause and renewed commitments from supporters.

ABOUT DR. LEGRANDE

SPECIAL TRIBUTE SONG

Recognizing Dr. Percy A. Pierre, 4th President of Prairie View A&M University

Today marks a momentous day for Prairie View A&M University with the official appointment of Dr. Percy A. Pierre as the institution’s fourth president, a landmark moment that occurred forty-one years ago on January 27, 1983. Dr. Pierre and his wife Olga visited the campus for the formal introduction by Board Chairman H. R. Bum Bright and Chancellor Dr. Arthur Hansen.

Transformational Higher Education Leadership

Dr. Pierre assumed leadership at a pivotal time in Texas higher education, as the Texas A&M University System advanced a bold commitment to academic excellence and the State of Texas embraced a parallel commitment to strengthening Prairie View A&M University as a vital engine for greater integration and opportunity. These converging priorities gave rise to the Target 2000 Report (May 1983) and the Texas Plan (August 1983), strategic frameworks that charted short- and long-term paths for Prairie View’s transformation. Their vision was affirmed with the November 6, 1984, amendment to the Texas Constitution, which recognized Prairie View A&M University as an “institution of the first class” and secured an equitable share of the Permanent University Fund—along with an additional $12 million annually to enhance academic programs—an achievement for which Dr. Pierre advocated tirelessly. Pierre’s leadership reflected vision, resilience, and coalition-building as he worked with state leaders, system officials, and campus stakeholders to secure long-term institutional equity and opportunity for a historically underfunded HBCU.

Academic and Research Leadership

In his academic and research leadership, Dr. Pierre advanced Prairie View A&M University’s academic profile by strengthening core programs and launching new initiatives that elevated standards and broadened opportunities for students. He established the Benjamin Banneker Honors College to attract high-achieving students, particularly in the STEM disciplines, and restructured colleges and departments to align with emerging fields such as computer science and engineering technology. Beyond Prairie View, his roles as dean of engineering at Howard University and later as vice president for research and graduate studies at Michigan State University demonstrated his commitment to building research capacity, expanding graduate education, and integrating scholarship with institutional mission.

Government and Policy Leadership

Dr. Pierre’s government and policy leadership emerged early in his career through his service as a White House Fellow and deputy to the assistant to the president for urban affairs in the Nixon administration, where he engaged national conversations on cities, technology, and public policy. He later assumed high-level positions within the U.S. Army, including assistant secretary for research and development and acting secretary of the Army, becoming the first African American to hold the latter role. In these posts, he helped shape federal policy on scientific research, defense technology, and organizational leadership, bridging the worlds of engineering, public service, and national security.

STEM Diversity and Mentorship Leadership

As a champion of diversity in STEM, Dr. Pierre played a formative role in national efforts to increase the participation and success of minority students in engineering and related fields. He helped create and guide initiatives such as the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering and the Sloan Engineering Program, and he actively supported organizations like GEM, MESA, DAPCEP, and SECME. Through his advocacy, program design, and personal mentorship, he expanded pathways for underrepresented students, linking institutional reforms with a broader movement to make engineering education more inclusive, equitable, and socially responsive.

Institutional and Infrastructural Development Leadership

In institutional and infrastructural development, Dr. Pierre led one of the most significant physical transformations in Prairie View A&M University’s history. Guided by the 1984 campus Master Plan, he secured major state investments to modernize and expand the campus through the construction of new academic, research, worship, and athletic facilities. His emphasis on a pedestrian-friendly design, enhanced landscaping, and meaningful campus landmarks reflected a holistic vision of the university as a space for scholarship, community, and remembrance, reinforcing institutional pride and identity.

Cultural and Student Engagement Leadership

Dr. Pierre’s leadership extended deeply into cultural life and student engagement, where he elevated student voice, creativity, and leadership development as central to the university’s mission. He restructured Student Affairs and Academic Planning to increase student participation, supported the election of pioneering female student government presidents, and instituted student advisory committees for academic deans. By reviving the Lyceum Series, empowering the newly formed Campus Activities Board (formerly MSC Program Advisory Board), and championing the performing arts and pageantry programs, he fostered a vibrant campus culture in which students could develop as leaders, artists, and professionals on regional and national stages. The pageant legacy was enhanced in July 1984 when Miss PVAMU Dellenor Miles placed Fourth Runner-Up in the Miss Texas/Miss America Pageant, the first from PVAMU and the third Black in the sixty-five years of the pageant. That legacy expanded in September 1985 when Lillie Taylor was crowned Miss Collegiate Black America and in September 1988 when Shari Love was crowned Miss Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, the firsts to hold a national pageant title.

Major Accomplishments

Across his career, Dr. Pierre’s major accomplishments span the interconnected arenas of higher education, engineering, government service, and national STEM diversity efforts. At Prairie View, he secured constitutional recognition and equitable funding for the university, launched the Benjamin Banneker Honors College, and oversaw a comprehensive campus modernization program supported by tens of millions of dollars in state funding. Nationally, he broke historic barriers as the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in electrical engineering in the United States, co-founded major minority engineering initiatives, and held senior federal positions that influenced research, defense, and public policy.

Academic Innovation and Institutional Advancement

In academic innovation and institutional advancement, Dr. Pierre introduced new academic structures and programs that raised standards and broadened opportunities at Prairie View A&M University. The Benjamin Banneker Honors College became a model for attracting high-achieving students, increasing freshman SAT scores, and significantly boosting enrollment. His reorganization of colleges and departments—especially in engineering, agriculture, and applied sciences—positioned the university for growth in STEM fields and improved alignment with statewide and national priorities for academic excellence.

Campus Modernization and Expansion

In campus modernization and expansion, Dr. Pierre led a carefully planned transformation of Prairie View’s physical environment that reflected both functional and symbolic goals. He directed the construction of landmark facilities such as the John B. Coleman Library, the Johnson-Phillip All Faiths Chapel, new engineering and education buildings, and enhanced athletic and support spaces, while also overseeing the renovation of key historic structures. The conversion of the campus to a pedestrian core, the creation of broad walkways and malls, and the installation of features like the Abner Davis memorial fountain strengthened the university’s sense of place and history.

National Recognition and Cultural Development

National recognition and cultural development became hallmarks of Dr. Pierre’s tenure as he amplified the visibility of Prairie View A&M University on national stages. Under his leadership, the Charles Gilpin Players performed at venues such as the Kennedy Center and the World’s Fair, highlighting the university’s artistic excellence. The success of Prairie View’s queens in major pageants, along with revitalized cultural programming on campus, highlighted the talents of students and positioned the university as a source of distinguished performers, leaders, and public figures.

Engineering and STEM Leadership

In engineering and STEM leadership, Dr. Pierre stands as a trailblazer who combined technical excellence with a deep commitment to access and equity. As the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in electrical engineering in the United States, he broke barriers that had long excluded Black scholars from the highest levels of the discipline. His subsequent work—shaping engineering programs at Howard and Michigan State, co-chairing a National Academy of Engineering symposium, and guiding national minority engineering initiatives—cemented his role as a key architect of efforts to diversify and strengthen the engineering enterprise.

Government and National Service

Through his government and national service, Dr. Pierre demonstrated how technical expertise and moral leadership can inform public policy at the highest levels. His tenure as a White House Fellow and his later roles in the Department of the Army allowed him to contribute to decisions affecting urban policy, research and development, and military readiness. The honors he received, including the U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal and high recognition from the U.S. Navy, attest to the significance of his contributions to national defense, scientific innovation, and public service.

Lifetime Recognition and Legacy

Dr. Percy A. Pierre’s lifetime recognition and legacy reflect the breadth and depth of his impact on engineering, education, and society. He has received honorary doctorates from institutions such as the University of Notre Dame and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Johns Hopkins University has established the Percy Pierre Doctoral Fellowships to support underrepresented graduate students in his field. Recognized as an American History Maker, he leaves a legacy of institutional transformation, expanded opportunity in STEM, and inspired leadership, while continuing to share his experience through consulting, lecturing, and the writing of his memoir in retirement. He and his wife, Olga Markam (deceased), are the parents of two daughters, Christian and Allison, and his legacy endures in the institutions he strengthened, the programs he founded, and the countless students and professionals whose opportunities were enlarged by his vision and leadership.

Kyle Maronie is Men's Prayer Breakfast Speaker January 17, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi

Mr. Kyle Maronie, the Community Health and Wellness Manager for the Sheila Jackson Lee Center for Accelerating Health Outcomes at Harris Health, is the featured speaker for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast. The event will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in the St. Francis Parish Hall, 2000 Phillip Street. All are invited to attend this community gathering of fellowship, faith, and inspiration. Please register attendance at stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net or call 936-857-3272, https://shorturl.at/f9PDY or use the QR Code below.

As manager, Mr. Maronie leads efforts to address non-medical drivers of health, build resilient communities, and advance equitable health outcomes through collaborative, culturally responsive, community-centered strategies.

Previously, he was the Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Harris County Public Health, cultivating long-term internal and external partnerships and developing engagement strategies to advance health equity across the department. He also served as Community Engagement and Empowerment Manager in the Community Health and Violence Prevention Division, managing strategic plans for two violence prevention initiatives and an alternative response program for non-violent 911 calls.

Earlier in his career, Kyle worked in the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, focusing on connecting culturally and linguistically diverse communities with disaster preparedness resources and later managing one of the first equitable COVID-19 mobile testing sites and co-managing the Vaccine Partner Incentive Program (VPIP). A returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served three years in Cameroon, he implemented maternal and child health initiatives and completed the Humanitarian Response Intensive Course at Harvard University. He holds a B.A. in History from Prairie View A&M University, co-founded the North-East Coalition for Advancement and Transformation (NCAT), is a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and has called Houston’s Settegast neighborhood home since age eight.

The St. Francis Men’s Prayer Breakfast promises the wisdom and insight from Chief White’s remarkable journey in service and faith. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested for planning purposes.

Join us for breakfast, prayer, and encouragement as we hear from one of Prairie View’s distinguished community leaders.