PVAMU Dedicates Auditorium in Honor of Alumna Opal Johnson Smith

April 28, 2006

On April 28, 2006, Prairie View A&M University dedicated its Memorial Student Center Auditorium in honor of Opal Johnson Smith, a 1954 graduate and former Miss Prairie View (1953-54).   Approved by the Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents, this special recognition is the result of Smith’s diligent leadership of the university’s capital campaign, her work as an educator and for her undying commitment to provide to the university and its students.

PVAMU is proud to have dedicated the auditorium in the Memorial Student in Mrs. Smith’s honor in recognition of her generous support, dedication and commitment to the university’s students, faculty and staff.

PVAMU Dedicates Auditorium in Honor of Alumnus and Former University President, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Julius W. Becton, Jr.

May 11, 2006

On May 11, 2006, Prairie View A&M University dedicated the Auditorium in the Alvin I. Thomas Administration Building after alumnus and former president Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Julius W. Becton, Jr. General Becton served as the fifth president of his alma mater from 1989-1994. Under his leadership, the university received numerous research grants and an increased number of private sector gifts. Becton is also credited with overseeing the reaffirmation of university programs by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and for strengthening the university’s fiscal operations. His excellent leadership, accessibility to students and professional interaction with faculty and staff are all additional factors that highlight Becton’s tenure at Prairie View A&M University. Becton retired with the distinction of being bestowed an honorary doctorate by the board of regents of the Texas A&M University System.
Becton earned the bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Prairie View A&M College in 1960. Becton earned his master’s degree in economics from the University of Maryland. He is also a graduate of top military schools, including the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College and the National War College. Throughout his illustrious military career, he served in three wars and earned more than a dozen decorations, which include the Distinguished Service Medal, and two awards each of the Silver Star, Legion of Merit and the Purple Heart.

Prairie View A&M University Names Architecture and Art Building for First Black Female Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas, Alumna Nathelyne Archie Kennedy

November 3, 2006

During the 2006 Homecoming celebration festivities, Prairie View A&M University named the Architecture and Art Building for distinguished alumna, Nathelyne Archie Kennedy, class of 1959. Greeted by family, classmates, colleagues, employees, university supporters, faculty, staff and students, Kennedy was all smiles during the dedication ceremony. The official name of the building is the Nathelyne Archie Kennedy Building, which currently houses bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in architecture, art, community development and construction science.  Some College of Business faculty and other departments are also housed in the Architecture Building.
Kennedy is the founder, president and chief executive officer of Nathelyne A. Kennedy and Associates---one of Houston’s leading engineering consulting firms. Throughout her career, Kennedy has maintained close connections to her alma mater, including providing valuable leadership for PVAMU by working with the Houston Alumni Chapter and the National Alumni Association.  She is a member of the  Prairie View A&M University Capital Campaign Cabinet.

The Whitlowe Radcliffe Green College of Education

The College of Education has become the Whitlowe Radcliffe Green College of Education. Whitlowe Radcliffe Green, who retired from the Houston Independent School District, graduated from the Prairie View A&M College of Texas in 1936.  Upon his death, he left $2.1 million to PVAMU to establish merit-based scholarships in human sciences, social behavioral and political sciences, business and nursing.  His gift was the largest individual gift in the 130 –year history of Prairie View A&M University.  The College of Education is housed in the Wilhelmina Fitzgerald Delco Building.