The Samuel Metters Auditorium

October 26, 2007

A special dedication ceremony honoring Dr. Samuel Metters, P.E. took place during homecoming week in October.  The auditorium in the Nathelyne Archie Kennedy Building was named for alumnus Metters.  Samuel Metters earned the bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Prairie View A&M University in 1957 and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Urban Planning from the University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Metters, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College,  the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, the U.S. Army Defense Missile School, and the Nuclear Weapons Warhead Assembly School. During his military career, Dr. Metters achieved distinction as Battery Commander of a Surface-to-Air missile battery (NIKE Hercules nuclear missile system). Dr. Metters’ notable decorations include the Air Metal, three Bronze Stars, three Army Commendation Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Purple Heart, as well as numerous medals of commendation from Republic of South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War.

Currently, Dr. Metters is Chairman and CEO of Metters Industries, Inc., in McLean, Virginia which he founded  in 1981. Dr. Metters has mentored PVAMU, Howard University, and other HBCU graduates as well as offered college internships at Metters, Inc. for students from Dublin, Ireland and for other universities throughout the country.

He earned the distinction of being the first varsity football player to graduate from the College of Engineering at Prairie View A& University. As a strong supporter of his Alma Mater, his credo during his tenure as President of the PVAMU National Alumni Association was and still is “PVAMU: A Treasure Worth Preserving.” Dr. Metters is a life member of the Association. He  is a  philanthropist  and has a long donor history to Prairie View A&M. Dr. Metters  presently serves on the cabinet of the University’s $30 million Capital Campaign.

PVAMU Announces Its Largest Enrollment Ever

Fall, 2007

Prairie View A&M University recently achieved its largest enrollment in its 131-year history.  The total fall 2007 enrollment of 8,382 is the highest in the university’s history.  This enrollment status represents a 4.7 percent increase over fall 2006.  Enrollment at the university also reached a peak at 8,350 in fall 2004.

This historic enrollment reflects our commitment to increasing the universitys enrollment each year. Im excited about this milestone in our history and proud of the universitys faculty and staff who worked collaboratively with high school and community college staff members to make this achievement a reality, said PVAMU President George C. Wright.

In recent years, the university has expanded its graduate programs and strengthened recruitment for its specialized undergraduate programs. With funding awarded by the Texas legislature, the university constructed and completed five new state-of-the-art buildings, all with a goal to allocate for an expanded student population and academic programs.

The newest additions to the campus landscape include the Nathelyne Archie Kennedy Building, which primarily houses the School of Architecture; the Elmer E. OBanion Science Building; the Electrical Engineering Building; the Juvenile Justice and Psychology and Texas Crime Prevention Center Building; and the College of Nursing Building, located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston.

PVAMUs increased enrollment can also be linked to several of its new academic programs. Since 2003, the university has consistently added new masters and doctorate degree programs including a doctorate degree in educational leadership and several masters level programs in engineering. To meet the increasing demand for skilled nurse faculty members, the university also has pending plans to implement a doctorate degree in nursing.

Founded in 1876, Prairie View A&M University is the second oldest public institution of higher education in Texas. With an established reputation for producing engineers, nurses and educators, PVAMU offers baccalaureate degrees in 50 academic majors, 37 masters degrees and four doctoral degree programs through nine colleges and schools. A member of The Texas A&M University System, the university is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research and service. During the universitys history, nearly 50,000 academic degrees have been awarded.

Alumnus Roy Perry Inspires Fall Graduates

December 8, 2007

Engineering pioneer, philanthropist and PVAMU alumnus Roy Perry, class of 1978, delivered the commencement address to Prairie View A&M University's fall class on Dec. 8. This year's fall graduates join more than 50,000 alumni who have graduated from the school during its 131-year history.
The university conferred nearly 600 degrees during two commencement ceremonies from its nine colleges and schools. Graduates, along with their families, friends and supporters gathered in the William "Billy" J. Nicks Sr. Building on the university's main campus to receive their degrees and to hear words of wisdom and wit from Perry. Dr. Marion Henry, served as the convocation marshal for both the morning and afternoon ceremonies.

"Always take Prairie View with you," stated Perry, who has served PVAMU in various capacities, including his current participation on the university's capital campaign cabinet, which is set to raise $30 million. During his speech, Perry urged graduates to value their PVAMU education and inspired them with his 10 tips for professional success.

Perry, known for his generous contributions to PVAMU, holds the distinction of being the first African-American vice president at Dell, Inc, Allied Signal and StorageTek. Although he resides in Austin, Texas, Perry serves as a board member and co-owner of Skyway Systems based in Denver, Colorado. Among his many accolades, he has been recognized by Industry Week Magazine and Black Enterprise Magazine.

Currently, Perry also engages in supply chain, operational process and design consulting in addition to various entrepreneurial and philanthropic pursuits. He is a Sloan Fellow and holds master's degrees in management from Stanford University and electrical engineering from Iowa State University.

PVAMU President George C. Wright presided over both commencement ceremonies, which were attended by the university's faculty and representatives from The Texas A&M University System.

During the university's afternoon ceremony, three doctorate degrees were awarded in educational leadership from PVAMU's recently named Whitlowe R. Green College of Education. This fact adds to the growing number of doctoral degrees awarded from PVAMU within recent years.

The university also conferred both bachelor’s and master's degrees. This fall the number of master's degree candidates in counseling and educational administration reached new heights for a fall commencement. This achievement was coupled with the hundreds of talented graduates from the university's bachelor’s degree programs.

From the Office of Research and Development
Dr. Willie F. Trotty, Vice President

Prairie View A&M University respectfully acknowledges the vital role our supporters play in enriching our programs.  Accordingly, we invite you to invest in our outstanding dance troupe, THE BLACK FOXES.  The troupe has been invited to perform in an invitation only international dance competition at the BEIJING CULTURAL AND ART FESTIVAL, May 1-5, 2008 in Beijing , China .  The total cost for the trip is $70,000, approximately $3,500 per troupe member, and will not be possible without your assistance.

THE BLACK FOXES, a twenty-member dance team, perform as a part of the marching band’s half-time shows, parades, community activities, and campus events.  The troupe has performed at the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D. C., the Governor’s Inaugural Parade in Austin, Texas, the Honda Battle of the Bands in Atlanta, Georgia, and with recording artist Destiny’s Child featuring Beyonce during the Dallas Cowboys’ televised Thanksgiving game half-time show. 

The BEIJING CULTURAL AND ART FESTIVAL will receive world-wide media coverage as dance troupes from around the world compete in a dance competition that will be staged similar to the Olympics, with an Opening Ceremony and parade of competing teams entering the arena.  Also, this is an event that will lead up to the Summer Olympics in Beijing , China .  This experience will provide the troupe members with an unparalleled educational and cultural opportunity as they tour the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City (The Palace Museum), and see the world famous Pandas at the Beijing Zoo. 

Your contribution will make all the difference to THE BLACK FOXES and we thank you in advance for your support.  Please make your check payable to Prairie View A&M University , write Black Foxes’ China Trip in memo section and mail to:  Prairie View A&M University , Office of Development, P. O. Box 519; MS 1200 Prairie View, Texas  77446.  Again, your kindness is greatly appreciated.

The PVAMU Lufkin Alumni Chapter

December 28, 2007

The Lufkin Alumni Chapter hosted their annual Christmas scholarship dance at the Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center on December 28th in Diboll, Texas. It was a festive event that attracted over 150 alumni and other guests. Alumna Gloria Toran says” the dance was a wonderful gathering and guests enjoyed  good food and good jazz  music”. Local merchants helped to sponsor the successful   fundraiser. Proceeds from the event enables the chapter to award scholarships to high school graduates who plan on attending PVAMU.  Dr. Patricia McKenzie is president of the Lufkin Alumni