COVER STORY INSIDE
APRIL ISSUE
SPECIAL EDITION
NEWSLETTER
RELEVANCE by Maurice Perkins
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) have been providing higher education opportunities to Black students since 1837 (Cheyney University of Pennsylvania). Unfortunately, over the past few decades many HBCU’s are having struggles. Some of which have been lack of enrollment, the lack of funding and questions about curriculum. These struggles and problems have many of them closing their doors forever. With the looming struggles and closures of so many HBCU’s in America, what sets the 1890 Land Grant University apart from the financial woes of their counterparts? Harvard, Yale and Princeton are familiar names in higher education, dating back to the 1500’s. These private institutions primarily provided higher education to white Americans, and access was afforded only to the well off. It wasn’t until July 2, 1862 with President Abraham Lincoln signing the Morrill Act into law, did the federal government and the states forge a partnership to create what is known today as the public system of higher education. This law gave states public lands, provided the lands be sold or used for profit and the proceeds used to establish at least one college—hence, land grant colleges—that would teach agriculture and the mechanical arts (A&M). Prairie View A&M University had its beginnings in the Texas Constitution of 1876, which, in separate articles, established an “Agricultural and Mechanical College” and pledged that “Separate schools shall be provided for the white and colored children, and impartial provisions shall be made for both.” As a consequence of these constitutional provisions, the Fifteenth Legislature established “Alta Vista Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth” on August 14,1876. Fast-forward to August 30, 1890 the second Morrill Act was signed into law. This law authorized additional direct appropriations for the land grant colleges of agriculture that had been established under the Morrill Act of 1862. The most significant feature of the second Morrill Act was that the 1862 schools could receive the additional funds only if they admitted Blacks into their programs or if they provided separate but equal agricultural higher education to Black students. With the refusal of this
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stipulation, in the period following the Civil War, sixteen southern states established separate land grant colleges of agriculture for Black students under the 1890 Act. The year 2015 marks the 125th year anniversary of the 1890 Morrill Act. Under the theme “Providing Access and Enhancing Opportunities,” 1890 institutions of higher learning celebrate the anniversary that sustained Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities. Today, the 1890 land-grant universities continue to take pride in education, and continue to produce numerous African-American leaders who render valuable service to their communities, nation, and the world.
Editorial Staff Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs Dr. Alton B. Johnson Director of Marketing, Development, Planning Communications, and Information Technology LaRachelle Smith Editor and Media & Publications Coordinator Maurice Perkins Photographer/ Graphic Designer Michael Thomas Contributing Photographers Michael Thomas Yahnique Rhule Fanisia Bundage Maurice Perkins Contributing Writers Fanisia Bundage Maurice Perkins Jakari Bates Crystal Wiltz Tiffany Elaine Tristan Crayton LaRachelle Smith Contributing Proofreaders Wash Jones Danielle Hairston-Green Tri-Ag is published by Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, Department of Marketing Communications & Information Technology News , Story Ideas, Comments should be sent to: 250 E.M. Norris St. P.O. Box 519, MS 2001 Prairie View, Tx 77446 cahscomm@pvamu.edu
TABLE OF CONTENT Pg.2
“As the largest in a network of 19 historically black colleges and universities within the 1890 Land-Grant system, Prairie View A&M University continues to be dedicated...”
The Celebration: Week at a Glance
A campus wide celebration, highlighting the 125th Anniversary , The 1890 Land-Grant The 2nd Morrill Act 1890-2015.....
Pg.4-5
If I Would Have Known:
By LaRachelle Smith The experiences and reflections of a proud PV Panther, learning the truth about Prairie View A&M University Pg.6
“I want to be remembered as a person who helped make a difference in the lives of young people...”
meant only for the elite...”
Dr. Alton B. Johnson:
Written by Tiffany Elaine The Neal Baines Story. The journey of a true Prairie View panther, and his dedication to his job. Pg.14
That’s why every year I go, I feel like it’s a gift to go to the rodeo.”
“A university education was
What you thought you knew about the Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs Pg.9
Definition of Dedication
This publication is available electronically at www.pvamu.edu/cahs/e-publications Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, PVAMU or the Tri-Ag editors.
“Prairie View A&M University had its beginnings in the Texas Constitution of 1876...”
Cover Story: Relevance Written by Maurice Perkins
“If you send a student to speak to Mr. Baines about anything; applying for a job, how to tie a tie or the weather, they will leave with some PVAMU history...”
G.O.A.T. : PVAMU Greatest Of All Time
Prairie View A&M University students showcased their awesomeness at 2015 Houston Livestock & Rodeo Show Pg.16
www.pvamu.edu/cahs
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Kentucky State University
1886
1882
Virginia State University
Tuskegee University
1881
1880
Southern University and A&M College
Prairie View A&M University
1876
1875
1873
Alabama A&M University
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
South Carolina State University
1872
Alcorn State University
1871
1866
Lincoln University
As the largest in a network of 19 historically black colleges and universities within the 1890 Land-Grant system, Prairie View A&M University continues to be dedicated to providing educational opportunity for all people through innovative scientific research and community minded Cooperative Extension programs.
OUR PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
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Increase awareness across the PV campus about the meaning and purpose of our land-grant designation. Recognize and celebrate scholarship, partnership and outreach impact our institution has made on individuals, families, and communities in the state of Texas and beyond.
2014 Central State University
2001 West Virginia State University
1912
Tennessee State University
1897 Langston University
1895 Fort Valley University
1891 North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University
1891 Delaware State University
1887 Florida A&m University
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
1886
Prairie View A&M University is the only HBCU in Texas that | offers distinctive teaching programs for a broad spectrum of students, particularly first generation students and those with limited access to opportunities. | is addressing health disparities and obesity prevention. | is enhancing agricultural enterprises for small and limited resource operations. | is engaging youth in leadership development and 4-H increasing awareness and interest in STEM careers. | is expanding global access to safe and nutritious food. | is enhancing resiliency of families, individuals and communities for economic mobility. | is conducting cutting-edge research to generate new knowledge and solutions to global challenges.
Week At-a-Glance
Week At-a-Glance
April 20-25,2015 Monday, April 20 – MSC Courtyard, Foyer and Opal Johnson Auditorium 8:30-9:00 Convocation on the Courtyard 9:00 – 11:30 Opening Ceremony, Occasion, Introduction of Keynote Speaker, Keynote address, Remarks 11:30 – 12:00 Break and MSC Foyer Land Grant Exhibit 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch under tent at MSC on LW Minor/VIP Luncheon in MSC Ballroom A 1:30 – 4:30 Guided Educational Campus Introduction/Tour and Hay Rides (starting point MSC) Tuesday, April 21 – MSC 2nd Floor Ballroom and Various Venues 8:00 – 12:00 PVAMU Research Highlights Poster Presentations (Research, Extension, Academics) 12:00 – 2:00 Luncheon and Recognition of Retirees in Academics, Research and Extension 2:00 – 5:00 Research & Extension Demonstrations Education thru Entertainment Donor Drive Wednesday, April 22 – 4 Building Auditorium Locations 8:00 – 11:00 The Land-Grant System Cooperative Extension Program Cooperative Extension Program Area Activities 11:00 – 1:30 “Hump Day” and Lunch under tent at MSC on LW Minor with Be the Match and 97.9 bringing Education thru Entertainment’s Battle of the Cats (PVAMU vs TSU) 1:00 – 2:00 Education thru Entertainment Symposium 1:30 – 5:00 Professional Seminars and Extension Agent Professional Development Programs 6:00 – 11:00 Basketball and Volleyball Tournament Education thru Entertainment Fundraising Event and 1890 Signature Wellness Walk Registration Kickoff Thursday, April 23 – New PVAMU Recreational Wellness Center 8:00 – 8:45 Wellness Walk Registration and Meet Up 8:45 – 9:00 Opening Ceremony 9:00 – 12:00 PVAMU 1890 Signature Wellness Walk/Obstacle Course 12:00 – 1:30 Concert and Healthy Themed Lunch at the Wellness Center 1:30 – 5:00 Health Center & Recreation Center Activities Friday, April 24 – MSC and University Farm – Goat Center 7:30 – 9:00 125th Celebration and Ag Field Day Breakfast 9:15 – 12:00 Farm Bill Education and 43560 Initiative Workshops 10:00 – 3:00 Western Soiree ~ Research Style 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch on the Farm 1:00 – 5:00 Western Soiree and Agriculture Field Day Activities Saturday, April 25 – MSC and University Farm – Goat Center 8:30 – 12:30 3rd Annual Cooperative Extension Housing Fair 8:30 – 10:00 Workshop Session 1 10:30 – 12:00 Workshop Session 2 12:30 – 1:30 Lunch on the Farm 1:30 – 5:00 Value Added Products Showcase/Farmer’s Market
www.pvamu.edu/1890celebration #pvcelebrates1890
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L E T S C E L E B R AT E
Educate and Infuse Panther Pride from a Land Grant Point of View
Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences 5
If Only I Would Have Known By LaRachelle Smith
M
y freshman year, I witnessed the last game ever to be won by the Panther football team for the next 20 years. While it’s true that there were no athletic scholarships to attract players to the program, among other reasons for our 20-year losing streak, not many beyond our campus really knew anything about our struggles or our students. Our reputation preceded us after graduation as we left these protective walls and entered the world with our brand new shiny degrees stamped with the Panther Pride that only a proud Prairie View alum understands. The next stage of my career, I remember every time someone asked me, “What college did you go to?” I proudly replied, “Prairie View A&M University!” The immediate response was, “Oh yeah, that school that hasn’t won a football game in years.” Part of me began to feel slightly ashamed but still obligated to redeem my beloved school, and so, with every inquiry, I found myself having to explain that we were so much more than an HBCU with a struggling football team. “We have an excellent engineering program!” was what I said, happy to be one of its proud productive graduates. “Texas A&M is our sister school. We are a part of the Texas A&M System,” not really knowing what that meant. But that’s all I really knew to say. It was the only “branding” that had been instilled in me over the years I attended the university; even as I exited as one of its proud productive people from The Hill or “the yard” as we used to call it.
A&M University. We were established in 1876 under the premise of the federal Justin Morrill Land Grant Act adopted in 1862; making our school the only college black people could attend in Texas at the time. We educated common people so they could improve their livelihood while making meaningful contributions to society. In earlier years, a university education was meant only for the elite who pursued studies in classical arts. After 28 years of unjust management due to deep seeded racism, Justin Morrill adapted the original 1862 act to delineate the rights of the HBCUs across the south establishing their own act in 1890. So here we are today, still carrying out the mission of the 1890 Justin Morrill Act providing for the inclusion of all races and ethnicities to be educated at
“We also wear our purple and gold pride in cities and small towns across the state”
institutions of higher learning 125 years later. A mission that dictates we will take care of our common folks, everyday people and their families who fight against the odds to make a better life for themselves. Back in 1876, when PVAMU was established, the focus was agriculture and teaching. Since that time, because of the 1890 act, PVAMU has evolved into not only teaching and agriculture but mechanical arts, ROTC, programs for business, juvenile justice, psychology, arts and sciences, architecture and nursing. Not only do we educate students on campus in the rural city of Prairie “A university education was meant only for View, Texas, but we also wear our purple and gold pride in cities and small the elite” towns across the state, If only I would have known that we are the second educating community oldest public university in the state of Texas by only members through minutes created shortly after the establishment of Texas the outreach arm of
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the Cooperative Extension Program. Our cutting edge research in agriculture is adapted into curriculum that reaches across our great state in 36 of Texas’ 254 counties and constantly growing. When I finally returned to Prairie View from corporate America, we had not only ended our 20-year losing streak in football, we won the SWAC championship. It was a proud moment of redemption for every story I had to tell people to convince them that my alma mater was just as good as theirs. If I only knew then what I know now, maybe I could have stuck my chest out a little bit farther and explained that my school is matched with the likes of Penn State, Kansas State, Purdue, The Ohio State University, Auburn and other schools established under the 1862 act with the same mission of the land grant institution, which is teaching, research and extension. The 19 universities that refer to themselves as 1890s have a long way to go to tell their story and instill that additional sense of pride in their graduates. There’s something to be said for maintaining a 125-year legacy of teaching, research and extension. It is applaudable. I believe there would be no 140-year celebration in 2016 without the bold inclusionary vision of a man named Justin Morrill. This is the time for a new beginning to reshape our brand and tell our story. We are so much more than an HBCU. We are an 1890 HBCU land grant university.
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ames filled the sign-up sheets as members of Panthers United held a volunteer drive on last Wednesday at the Memorial Student Center to recruit students for Education through Entertainment, a three-day donor awareness drive that will be held here on the campus of Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) on April 20th-24th. In conjunction with the 1890 Land Grant 125th year celebration, Education through Entertainment “Battle of the Cats“ is a school-wide event/challenge between Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University. Participation and sponsorship will be provided by Radio One “97.9 the Box”, Be The Match, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, and Donate Life Texas. As social media chair and program coordinator, I thought it would be efficient and more engaging to actually be amongst the student body by offering a nice handful of helpful knowledge and a good bag of popcorn to grasp their attention. As a result, over 90 students have chosen to give up their free time to be apart of one the most historical events at PVAMU. By Fanisia Bundage CAHS Student Staff
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10:00 -3:00 Friday April 24 Register Online: pvamu.edu/westernsoiree
8:00-5:00 Friday- Saturday April 24-25 Register Online: pvamu.edu/agfieldday Participants will receive valuable home ownership information
8:30- 12:30
Saturday
April 25, 2015 HOMEOWNER | POTENTIAL HOME-BUYERS
Register Online: Housefair2015.eventbrite.com
• Workshops • Seminars • Farm Tours • Goat Barbecue
Interview with Dr. Alton B. Johnson Dean & Director of Land Grant Programs Where were you born? I was born in a very small town called Saolay in Lower Nimba County, Liberia Tell us something others would be surprised to know about you? I am a very private person, contrary to the outgoing person you see at work. I actually prefer not to bring attention to myself. What words best described you? I am a very focused person. What was your first impression of Prairie View A&M University? This is a University that takes pride in providing sound education to students. The staff that I encountered were very friendly and helpful
What are your future aspirations for the CAHS? My aspiration for the CAHS is for us focus on a few things that we can do well so we become highly competitive in the land grant system and the agricultural community at home and abroad. What lessons has work life taught you? Work life has taught me to be humble, strategic, focused on the big picture, and selfless. It has taught me that decisions I make must not be personal and that it must be for the common good of the organization.
What organizations are you affiliated with? I am a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and The Free and Accepted Mason, Prince Hall. Who has been the biggest influence on your life? My father (deceased) was a big influence. As far as my career goes, Dr. George Ross, President of Central Michigan University and Dr. George Wright, President of PVAMU have consistently been an influence on my career path.
What does the 1890 Land Grant mean to you? The 1890 Land Grant means providing services to limitedresource, underrepresented citizens irrespective of demographics. It further means enhancing economic opportunity, fostering academic excellence, and improving the health and wellbeing of our citizens.
What’s your favorite meal? Nothing special.
How would you want to be remembered? I want to be remembered as a person who helped make a difference in the lives of young people and a leader of a land grant program that helped raise the standard of living for people irrespective of their background.
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Travis County Volunteer Exuding the 1890 Land Grant Mission: Travis County, Austin, Texas by Crystal Wiltz
When I think of the qualities of a great volunteer, my thoughts are immediately of Mrs. Novella Cabin, a dedicated volunteer of the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP), Prairie View A&M University. Mrs. Cabin is an extraordinary volunteer. She has been actively involved with programming conducted by the CEP for over 13 years in Travis County. She knows EVERYBODY! Her community outreach has been a valuable resource for new Travis County CEP, both professionally and personally. Mrs. Cabin is highly respected as an active community member and has been instrumental in opening doors for programs with the various community partners, including: Salvation Army, Austin Women’s Shelter, Project HELP (Homeless Education and Learning Program), The Battered Women’s Shelter, City of Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Independent School District, just to name a few. Mrs. Cabin passion for the health and wellness of her community surpasses most. Being very diligent in creating community involvement, she spearheaded Project DEAP (Diabetes Education Awareness Prevention) and was instrumental with recruiting participants for a 6-week diabetes program at Givens Recreation Center. Mrs. Cabin is very knowledgeable of the benefits of physical activity, in the diabetes fight and assisted CEP in many recruitment efforts in the community on behalf of diabetes programming.
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Mrs. Cabin’s professional résumé is quite extensive as she was employed for 25 years as Program Supervisor at Rosewood and Givens Recreation Centers. Extending her managerial skills, she has also held the position of Unit Manager over supervisors at Pan Am, Hancock, Northwest, Alamo, and Zaragosa Recreation Centers. Her work has been so significant that she had left an indelible mark on her oldest daughter, Tiffany Cabin who followed her path and is a Program Manager for Senior Programs, City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Mrs. Novella Cabin is a great volunteer, community member, activist, and leader. She makes significant contributions to programing conducted on behalf of CEP in Travis County. The fruits of her labor are appreciated and I’m honored to share her great works with others.
THE MERGER
by Jakari Bates New Farmers of America (NFA) and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Many may not know that this year, 2015, marks the 50th anniversary of the merger of the New Farmers of America (NFA) and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) into one organization with the common goal of helping and supporting young students in mostly rural areas to advance skills in agriculture related activities and career fields. The NFA was a national organization established in Tuskegee, Alabama in 1935 to develop agricultural skills and interests in agriculture related professions in Black American students during a time when most grade schools were segregated. It sought to inspire and cultivate leadership and citizenship by engaging students in vocational and social activities, such as, livestock judging, public speaking, and serving as members on committees. The NFA merged with the FFA in 1965 at the FFA National Convention in Atlanta, GA. The merger came as a result of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which effectively outlawed discrimination based on race, religion, or sex, and ended segregation in schools. The NFA added around 50,000 members to the FFA when the two organizations merged. Even though the merger was a step in the right direction to end segregation, many members and people associated with the NFA and FFA noticed some of the adverse results of the merger. Many of the people who had held high positions in the NFA were forced from their offices and lost their influence as a result of the merger. Dr. Alvin Larke Jr. of Texas A&M, Professor Emeritus recently stated in an interview with Texas FFA News that, “I was being groomed to become a national officer in the NFA, but I never reached that point because we merged that year. It took some time before
African-Americans were placed in those positions.” Mr. Horace Hodge, USDA/1890 Liaison at Prairie View A&M University, who served as the first Black President of his high school FFA chapter in 1970, also remembers some of the unfortunate consequences of the NFA/FFA merger. Mr. Hodge said, “There was a decline over time in the number of Black Ag teachers and eventually the number of Blacks that were actually taking FFA. I think this was a direct result of a lot of those teachers losing their jobs when the merger took place.” Mr. Hodge said that his Ag teacher played a crucial role in his success in FFA and as a student. He said, “You had to have a willing professor or a willing teacher to actually motivate you and encourage you… and perhaps see in you what you could not see in yourself.” The FFA has become a much more diverse organization since the merger in 1965. It started accepting female members in 1969. Today, it has around 610,240 members, ages 12- 21 and the demographics of the organization are 67 percent white, 22 percent Hispanic, eight percent African American or American Indian and three percent Asian, Pacific Islander or two or more races. The FFA continues to encourage, motivate and support Ag students in all 50 states to train and prepare America’s future agricultural workforce.
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C OL L EGE OF AG R ICULTURE A ND HUMAN SCIE NCE S
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2015
February
June
Houston Hispanic Forum 2/14 FFA Career Development Event 2/26
REAP Summer Program 6/7-6/19
March
Texas FFA Convention (Corpus Christi) 7/13-7/17 125th Anniversary Commencement (Washington, DC) 7/14-7/16 Youth Leadership Lab 7/21-7/23
CAHS Career Fair 3/11 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Exhibit 3/3-3/22 MANRRS Conference Exhibit(Houston) 3/26-3/28
April
125th Anniversary Celebration of 1890 Morrill Act (Land Grant) 4/20-4/24 Agriculture Field Day 4/24-4/25
May 4-H Agribotics Challenge 5/2
July
August
Emergency Management Summit 8/6
September
PVCAHS Career 9/15
October
Lindsey Weatherspoon Ag Breakfast 10/10 (Homecoming Saturday) FFA Leadership Development Event TBD
All events are displayed with a description of our programs on our CAHS Website www.pvamu.edu/cahs/cahs-programs/ We also have an electronic version of our printed program book (The Green Book) www.pvamu.edu/cahs/e-publications/
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HIS-STORY IS MY STORY by Tristan Crayton
P
rairie View A&M University, celebrates 125 years of the 2nd Morrill Act of 1890 that aided in the creation of not only our beautiful Land Grant institution but many other historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the country. As a land grant institution we are provided benefits from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Morrill Act of 1862 and 1890. The original mission of these institutions was to teach agriculture, military science, and the mechanic arts. Over the years we as Land Grant Institutions, have evolved educational, research, and extension powerhouses. Academics are the main and sole reason of a college or university. At Prairie View we educate students in the fields of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Human Ecology. Through aggressive studies which encompass classrooms, research laborites, extension opportunities we have been able to prepare students that have gone on to become educators, scientist, businessmen, politicians, extension agents and other government officials. There have been many opportunities for internship with the USDA, Cooperative Extension, and within the industry of Agriculture.
Grant Institution, Prairie View A&M University is a gem, not only in academic growth but personal and professional growth as well. I pray that as we acknowledge our rich history and honored strides, we can continue to provide a full and total experience for each and every student that comes through our hands. Dear Prairie View, I promise that upon my graduation in May 2015 I will go out into the world and sing your praise. I will inform any and every one of the success that my 1890 University has provided me. With love and much appreciation I say; Thank you! Tristan D. Crayton SGA Executive Vice President 2014-2015 Spring 2015 Graduate
As a student in this college my experience has been a success story. I have been given an opportunity to experience the full power of what it means to be a land grant. I chose to attend Prairie View A&M University because if its Dietetics program. As a Dietetics student I have learned how our food intake as humans play a role on our body. I have had opportunities as an undergraduate to help with the collection and processing of nutritional surveillance data. I have also had the opportunity to see how the information learned and the data collected is then apply to the community by working with the Family and Consumer Science Division of our Cooperative Extension Program. While under their guidance I was tasked with the collection of evidence for grants, the marketing and development of programs. All of the information learned and experiences gathered has brought me to my current title of Student Government Association Executive Vice President 2014-2015. As Executive VP, I have had opportunities to see and understand how blessed we are in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. I can honestly say that we are provided more opportunities than most students’ campus wide. Not many students are allowed the chance to internally see how the necessities of the world operate; how the information learned in the classroom ties in to the bigger scheme of things. As I reflect, I have experienced the historical disconnect, because I was the person going through the motions of being a student, but not truly understanding the information, due to the fact that I had no idea how to apply it outside of theoretical situations. I had to take the time to step back and see how the opportunities presented to me can connect and allow me the practical experience needed to feel comfortable in my academic experience. Being a Land
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The Definition of
Dedication The Neal Baines Story
Written by Tiffany Elaine
In the summer of 1967, Neal Baines was like many other African-American high school graduates; col-lege worthy and broke. On a typical hot afternoon in Evergreen, Texas he was hauling hay when two gentlemen approached him looking to recruit new students to attend Prairie View A&M College of Texas. Baines’ high school principal had a brother teaching at the historically black college, and had shared that Baines might be interested in attending. The invitation to enroll at Prairie View came right on time for Baines and he gladly accepted the opportunity to leave that hay field behind him. What he did not know was that he would still be a fixture on the campus more than 40 years later. Baines works in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences as an administrator for the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP). While the college offers teaching and research to its students, CEP targets the rural communities surrounding Prairie View and carries out the service portion of the school’s mission. “We teach [program participants] about small businesses and how to supplement their income,” said Baines. The goal is to help people help themselves by teaching them how to access available re-sources. For example, the program would reach the grandmother who picks blackberries in her back-yard and sells them on the side of the road, and teach her to take those same blackberries and sell them to the farmer’s market in bulk for profit. More than 5,000 people are helped each year. This February Baines celebrated 41 years of service to Prairie View A&M University, and he could not be more dedicated to the institution and
the people it serves. Wire-frame glasses adorn his nose and his thick, black mustache distinguishes him. He’s cool and collected, like the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity man that he is, and his shoes shine like the military career he almost chose. He knows the ins and outs of CEP, the college and the University.
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During his tenure on campus as student, educator, and supporter, Baines witnessed the name change from Prairie View A&M College of Texas to the current and permanent name, Prairie View A&M Uni-versity. He has worked under five University presidents and at least five deans of the College of Agriculture. He has seen eight U.S. presidents elected, outlasted mandatory military drafts, watched the first moon landing, and witnessed the birth of the hip-hop culture. He was in the stands when the football team started its infamous loosing streak, cheered them on as they broke it and was one of the first supporters of the campaign to build a new sports complex on campus. “Ninety percent of my life, since I left home, has been spent at Prairie View A&M. If you talk about PVAMU, you’re talking about me. You’re talking about my family – my home.” he said. Baines received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a minor in economics in 1970 and a master’s in agriculture education in 1973. He was in the first graduating class of the master’s program and one of the first people to defend a thesis under the new graduate program. “I’ll never forget standing in the hallway waiting for the chair to decide my fate. I was wearing a beige suit, alligator shoes, and I was drenched in sweat,” said Baines. He must have done something right, because shortly after graduating, he was offered a job as a research specialist. Baines now has a window office in the CEP building, which sits on a street named after his fraternity brother and good friend, E.M. Norris. He has seen so much change, so many sad endings, and thank-fully, several more joyous beginnings. He is known around campus for his compassion for the students he has impacted and recognizes how many his position allowed him to help over the years. Through the years (or about 82 fall and spring semesters), Baines has befriended countless students, faculty members, parents, and community members. Building relationships is his strong suit. “If you send a student to speak to Mr. Baines about anything applying for a job, how to tie a tie or the weather, they will leave with some PVAMU history,” said Alton Johnson, dean of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. “His role in the college is more than his job title, he’s helped build relationships and carry on the legacy of the University. We are lucky to have him.” Baines believes that is exactly why the University has allowed him to stay around for so long. Or, it could have been the alligator shoes.
WAKE UP! O
Commentary by: Maurice Perkins
n June 19, 1865 the American military made a huge announcement on the shores of Galveston, Texas. To think, with no Internet, emails or social media, the tedious task the military had before them, to spread the word that slavery was unconstitutional. The unwritten, unspoken stories of the inner state battles fought, the land invasions that took place after June 19, 1865, forcing “former” slave owners hands to free their “property”.
when options were few and far between. The students are the reason we drive 1 to 50 miles one-way to this university. Some may think that it’s for a paycheck, but if it were no students, we would not have a paycheck.
During reconstruction, Black people were unified, encouraging and uplifting. The question still stands, with the centuries of struggles, neglect and inequality Black people endured, why is there segregation and dissertation today? Individualism and elitism has grown rapidly since the inception of this great university. From poor customers service to students; to not wanting to lend a hand, even if its for the betterment of the university; to “looking down” and belittling co-workers who may not hold a job title or degree needed to voice an opinion or share a concern.
We have been trained to “hate on” our own. We were beaten, whipped and killed for reading, writing and speaking our minds; our tongues were cut out for communicating. Today, we boldly exhibit what we have been trained; we refuse to read; we refuse to communicate; we withhold our full potential for fear of increased responsibility. We look at people who look like us, talk like us and who have been free just as long as we have, and put mental thoughts of hate, when they excel or elevate.
The trek the American military made across the great state of Texas only freed salves from physical bondage. The struggle that still lingers today is breaking the shackles of mental slavery. There was no amendment in the Constitution to inform Black people that we During the reconstruction period a mere eleven years are free to do whatever our mind can fathom. The later Alta Vista Agricultural and Mechanical College separation demonstrated after the 1862 Land Grant of Texas for Colored Youth was constitutionally Act, by the 28-year delay of the 1890 Land Grant Act, established on August 14, 1876. An institution was evident that there are struggles to overcome. With founded on the premise and curriculum of providing those struggles, why is it Black people hold themselves educational opportunities to the “Negro”. back?
Free your minds from mental slavery, the future What if Justin Morrill only thought about himself, that desires to be educated at this 1890 Land Grant where would Prairie View A&M University be today? University depends on it. Wake up. This is my 2 cents. For decades, students have enrolled in Prairie View A&M University to create opportunities for themselves
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Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences 15
G.O.A.T.
by Jakari Bates, Student Writer Prairie View A&M University took home several awards and trophies at the 2015 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo when it competed in the Dairy Goat Show on Thursday, March 5th. The University was represented by eight students and four staff members showing 23 of their best French Alpine dairy goats from the campus farm. PVAMU earned a total of 19 awards for the 23 goats that were entered into the competition. They competed and placed in several different categories. Four of those awards are Grand Champion awards and two of them are Reserve Champion awards. Woody McClennon, a senior Agriculture major, was one of the students that participated and worked with Prairie View’s goats at the goat show. McClennon described the show as “all in all a great experience.” He said, “It’s very wonderful that the school gives us the chance and opportunity to showcase their animals that we work with… That’s why every year I go I feel like it’s a gift to go to the rodeo.” Prairie View is no stranger to the winner’s circle at the HLSR Goat Show. They have been competing in the HLSR Goat Show for about 15 years and have always p l a c e d very well.
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The Answer by LaRachelle Smith
e are often asked why is the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences the only college at the university to have its own department of marketing, communications and IT? Consider this. Being the land-grant arm of the university makes the CAHS
unique. As he land-grant college, we benefit from the university’s exclusive relationship with the federal government because of the 1890 Morrill act and its funding through the USDA. Those funds are used to support the college’s Cooperative Extension agents that are delivering program curriculum in 36 counties across Texas, and research conducted at the college’s Cooperative Agricultural Research Center. Our department of marketing, communications and IT, working together with the university, ensures that we promote our work and tell our stakeholders exactly how their funds are being used. Our group of dedicated people, closely tied to the landgrant mission, carries the 125-year legacy forward telling the story of great programming, innovative solutions through thought provoking research, and students with a competitive advantage.
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