Distinguished Alumnus

Mason D. Barrett
Attorney
Director of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Mason D. Barrett is Director of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Savannah Local Office. Mr. Barrett is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the local office, which has jurisdiction in specific counties in the state of Georgia and South Carolina. Mr. Barrett has a long career in employment law and civil rights. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Barrett served as a Senior Trial Attorney and acting Enforcement Manager in the EEOC Birmingham District Office. He has held a number of positions in EEO and civil rights with federal agencies and in the private sector. Mr. Barrett earned a Juris Doctor from the University of  Denver College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Prairie View A&M University.

A native of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania General Becton served his country for nearly 40 years of service in the United States Army. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant General. History records that Becton was the first graduate of Prairie View A&M University to attain flag rank in the military.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A&M University, Becton later earned his M. A. 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.

Distinguished Alumnus

Vice Admiral David L. Brewer, III
US Navy - Retired

Superintendent
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education has announced that it entered into negotiations with Mr. David L. Brewer III, a retired Three-Star Admiral to serve as the new district Superintendent.  Mr. Brewer, who comes from a family of educators and has overseen educational initiatives during his 35-yars career in the United States Navy, will replace Superintendent Roy Romer, who will retire after six years of leading the District.

Board President Marlene Canter, said “Retired Navy Admiral David L. Brewer III is a strong, accomplished leader with a long history of career successes.  He brings knowledge of both large, complex organizations and a passion for public education.  He stands prepared to lead us into our next phase of reform – and we are confident that he will become a galvanizing force for our schools, our students and our communities.”

Mr. Brewer, as head of the SeaLift Command, was the chief executive officer of a $3.1 billion dollar enterprise responsible for moving large volumes of staff and supplies all over the world.  He managed a fleet of 120 ships worldwide, comprised of thousands of sailors and civilian employees.

“David Brewer has had a great deal of experience as a leader and clearly understands the student population of the LAUSD and its diversity,” said Board Member Julie Korenstein.  “He will work very hard to help our students.”

Congratulations from your beloved alma mater!

Distinguished Alumnus

Dr. Quinton Bullock

Provost, Norfolk Campus

Tidewater Community College

Quintin B. Bullock has an extensive professional background. His career has advanced from an urban high school science teacher, a college professor, a General Dentist, and Executive Dean. Bullock serves as Provost for the Norfolk Campus of Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, Virginia. In addition, he is well regarded for his exemplary community leadership and as a distinguished scholar. Leading by example, Bullock has made things happen to keep students engaged and enrolled. With an eye to gender equity, Bullock has launched a major new initiative, “Beating the Odds”-- an interactive and motivational group for men. The initiative encompasses a shared team approach to Student Services that integrates student development, leadership, mentoring, tutoring, and academic counseling services. This model mirrors the excellent student and leadership development that he received during his tenure at Prairie View A & M University. In March 2004, the National Council on Black American Affairs presented a leadership award to Bullock for Outstanding Leadership in the Community College System. In April 2002, the Urban League of Rochester, N.Y., Inc. selected Bullock for the Barbara I. McGriff Outstanding Educator Award. Dr. Quintin B. Bullock is an alumnus of Prairie View A & M University where he earned a bachelor of science degree in biology. He also earned the Master’s degree at Prairie View. He later studied dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center and earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Immediately following dental school he pursued post-doctoral studies at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Bullock completed a General Practice Residency at the Genesee Hospital in Rochester, New York. Quintin Bullock is a “rising star” and is looking forward to achieving his next career goal, a community college presidency.

Distinguished Alumnus

James Cheatman 

Retired

James A. Cheatham is the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Division Administrator for the State of Pennsylvania. In his capacity as division administrator, he is responsible for administering the Federal Aid Program. He oversees the operations 0f 39 employees including transportation engineers, environmental specialists, planning and research specialists, structural engineers, safety specialists, informational technology specialists, financial specialists, and program support staff. Mr. Cheatham also oversees two transportation engineers in the Metropolitan Program Office in Philadelphia. Cheatham has received numerous awards for his distinguished military career to include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf cluster, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with Silver Oak Leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon. Cheatham holds the rank of Brigadier General and is serving as the Senior Reserve Component General Officer Engineer in the United States Corps of Engineers. Brigadier General Cheatham earned the bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from his alma mater and the master of science degree in civil engineering from Purdue University. Cheatham is also a graduate of the United States War College.

Distinguished Alumnus

Mr. Don Clark 

Special Agent (Retired)

On November 7, 1976 , Clark became a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation where he served until his retirement on February 3, 2000 . While at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Clark undertook a broad range of Federal Bureau of Investigation responsibilities. He supervised numerous high-profile investigations including the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis. He facilitated handling the movement of the Shah of Iran from New York City to San Antonio . In addition, he supervised the investigation of terrorist attack aboard the Achille Lauro Cruise ship, which claimed the life of passenger Leon Klinghoffer. While serving as assistant special agent in charge of the New York division, Clark managed the investigation of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City which resulted in the arrest and prosecution of the terrorist involved. As special agent in charge of the Houston division, Clark was responsible for many high profile investigations. Most notable was being in charge of the investigation and arrest of FBI's top fugitive and accused “Railcar Killer” Rafael Resendes Ramirez. Solving the racially-motivated crime in Jasper, Texas which claimed the life of Jasper resident James Byrd, Jr. was according to Clark “the single most significant accomplishment of his working career. Clark says, “The effort to right a wrong and expose a modern day lynching will have lasting effects in the eradication of racism.” Another great highlight occurred in July, 2000, when Clark was awarded the United States Attorney General's highest award for excellence in the investigation and prosecution of three individuals involved in the James Byrd, Jr. hate crime murder. Clark's other professional accomplishments include being recognized as a distinguished military graduate at Prairie View A&M College . He is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions from the United States Army and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The most coveted military awards are the United States Army Air Medal for Combat Assaults and two Bronze Stars for bravery while serving in Vietnam . Clark received the FBI Medal for Meritorious Achievement during law enforcement action. Clark is a member of Who's Who in American Colleges. He currently serves as co-chair of the Prairie View A&M University Capital Campaign Cabinet. Clark earned the Bachelor of Science in engineering and a regular Army commission as a Second Lieutenant from Prairie View. He later attended Long Island University , completing course work for the Master's degree in public administration. He is also a graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University . Clark says, “The decision to attend Prairie View A & M College was an easy choice. Many of my high school and grade school teachers had attended Prairie View. As a student, there were more Prairie View influences that any other college.”

Distinguished Alumnus

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver 

On November 2, 2004 , Cleaver was elected to the United States Congress. Congressman Cleaver represents the 5th District of Kansas City, Missouri. Cleaver has a long and distinguished career in public service. He was elected Mayor of Kansas City in March of 1991, the first African-American mayor in the City's history. He was re-elected to a second term in March 1995. In May of 1999, the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreations Commissioners honored the former mayor by naming one of the area's longest streets, “ Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard”. Cleaver developed a reputation as a national leader and served two terms as president of the 426 - member National Conference of Black Mayors. He also served as Chairman of the United States Conference of Mayors Committee on Crime and Social Justice. After leaving office he served as a Special Urban Advisor to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Andrew Cuomo. As Mayor Cleaver worked to improve the city's landscape and infrastructure, he championed the massive Brush Creek Flood Control and Beautification project, a new Chouteau Bridge , an expanded Bartle Hall Convention Center , an improved zoo, the Bruce R. Watkins Roadway and the Ilus W. Davis Civic Mall in the downtown area of Kansas City . Cleaver's leadership resulted in the designation of Kansas City as an “Enhanced Enterprise Zone,” with a consequent million award for the construction of a new industrial park on the city's West Side and economic development in the city's historic 18th and Vine District. Cleaver says, “Prairie View has been Cleaver University for a major part of the 20th Century. “My entry to Prairie View followed a family tradition. I enjoyed my years there and attribute much of my success to the leadership development curriculum on ‘The Hill'.”

Distinguished Alumnus

Mr. Lafayette Collins 

U. S. Marshall

Lafayette Collins became the new U. S. Marshall for the Western Judicial District of Texas after the Senate unanimously confirmed his appointment and President Bush signed the commission that allowed him to take office (March 2004). Collins’ expansive district stretches from San Antonio to El Paso, and includes Del Rio, Austin and Waco. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchinson and John Cornyn previously recommended Collins to President Bush.

Distinguished Alumnus

Mr. George F. Francis, III 

Senior Vice President, Chief Admnistrator Officer

Francis is senior vice president and chief administrative officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM). As senior vice president, Francis oversees human resources, building services, facilities management and communications support services. He is president of the BCBSM Foundation. He joined Blue Cross Blue Shield from General Motors where he was human resources manager for SATURN Corporation.

Distinguished Alumnus

Jay C. Hartman 

Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Executive

Jay C. Hartman, Manager of Resource & Operations for Entergy Arkansas, Inc., the fourth largest investor-owned electric utility in America, has joined the seven-member Board of Commissioners that governs Central Arkansas Water (CAW), a metropolitan water system serving 360,000 consumers. Hartman has extensive experience in electric utility operations and management. His business background with Entergy includes commercial and industrial accounts, engineering planning, and resource and operations. In 1988, he received Entergy’s Humanitarian Award for his involvement with the “Staring Block Program” -- an initiative that seeks to increase the number of minority students pursuing a career in the field of engineering. In 2003, he was among Arkansas Business journal’s 40-Under-40 business leaders. He also is on U. S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine’s listing of the Most Distinguished Black College and University Graduates. He earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering (1989) from Prairie View A&M University at Prairie View, Texas and a master of science degree in business administration from UALR. He has been with Entergy since graduating from PVAMU.

Distinguished Alumnae

Mrs. Brenda Jackson 

TXU Executive

TXU Brenda Jackson is senior vice president of customer/community for TXU Electric Delivery. In her new position, she is responsible for economic development, relationship management, customer and market services, and enterprise community relations. Jackson reports directly to Tom Baker, chairman and chief executive, TXU Electric Delivery. With 32 years of service to TXU, Jackson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enhance her role as senior vice president of customer/community for TXU Electric Delivery. Previously, she served as senior vice president of electric asset ownership for Oncor with responsibility for customer and market services, relationship management, and economic development and transmission services. Jackson is actively involved in serving her community. She serves on the board at Presbyterian Hospital and the Dallas Symphony. Jackson previously served on the boards of Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas Museum of Art, Metropolitan Young Women’s Christian Association, North Texas Commission and the Dallas Opera. Also, Jackson is a past trustee of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Prairie View A&M University.

Distinguished Alumnae

Mrs. Nathelyne Archie Kennedy

President & CEO of Kennedy and Associates

Kennedy was the first female engineering graduate at Prairie View A & M University and probably the first African-American woman in the State to become registered as a P. E. – Professional Engineer. She founded Nathelyne A. Kennedy & Associates, not merely a company of her own, but a minority-owned, a woman-owned, and a women-operated civil/ structural consulting engineering firm-in Houston, Texas. A dedicated and progressive professional, Kennedy and her company have garnered awards, honors, and citations of achievement for both business excellence and community service. Among these have been the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County’s “2001 Business Development Success Story,” the City of Houston’s Outstanding MWBE Contractor in Professional Services,” U. S. Black Engineer’s “Entrepreneur of the Year,” the National Association of Black Accountants’ “Distinguished Business Achievement,” the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering “Distinguished Service and Contributions,” and the United States Small Business Administration’s prestigious “Minority Business Woman of the Year Award”. Nathelyne Archie Kennedy is a dream-weaver. She has always been the consummate architect of extraordinary personal aspirations. Yet, during 20 years of successful entrepreneurship she has never lost sight of the greatest dream of all – equal career opportunity and professional success for every working person.

Distinguished Alumnus

Mr. Kase L. Lawal

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

CAMAC Holdings, Inc.

Mr. Lawal is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CAMAC Holdings Inc., a company with approximately $1 billion revenue in 2001, primarily in oil and gas exploration, production, refining and energy trading. The company was recently named America’s largest African-American owned company on the Black Enterprise 100s list. Mr. Lawal was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Port of Houston Authority in July 2000, having been sworn in as a Port Commissioner in June 1999. The Port of Houston ranks first in the U. S. in foreign tonnage and includes the nation’s largest petrochemical complex, with total cargo value in 2001 of approximately $55 billion. Mr. Lawal currently serves as Chairman of the Houston Mayoral Advisory Board on International Affairs and Development. Mr. Lawal is the Chairman of Allied Energy Corporation, an independent oil and gas company. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Cape Investment Holdings, a leading thermal insulation company. Mr. Lawal holds a master’s degree in business administration in finance and marketing from Prairie View A & M University.

Distinguished Alumnus

Dr. Samuel Metters 

President and CEO

Metters Industries

Samuel Metters is the founder and CEO of Metters Industries, Inc., with 19 offices nationwide. The corporate headquarters is located in McLean, Virginia and consists of six wholly owned subsidiaries. Dr. Metters received a bachelor of science degree in architectural engineering from Prairie View A & M University and the bachelor of arts degree in architecture design and city planning from the University of California at Berkeley. He received the master’s of science degree in systems management, the master’s of science degree in public administration, and a doctorate in public administration from the University of Southern California. He is also a graduate of Owner/President Management (OPM) Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Metters, is a licensed professional engineer. Dr. Metters was highly decorated for his distinguished military career. His medals include three Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, the Meritorious Service Award, three Army Commendations Medals, the Purple Heart, and a host of Republic of Vietnam awards.

Distinguished Alumnus

Julius Parker, Jr.

Major General, U. S. Army (Retired)

Upon his retirement, General Parker was, and remains the highest ranking African-American Military Intelligence Officer in the history of the Army. He is one of three African-Americans in the Military Intelligence Branch to attain the rank of general officer. Parker completed the Reserve Officers Training Corps curriculum at Prairie View A&M University in 1955 and was commissioned a second lieutenant of Infantry. He earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg State University of Pennsylvania. Parker is also a graduate of The Harvard University Executive Program. Presently, General Parker serves as Associate Vice President for Business Affairs and Vice President for Administrative Services at the University of Arizona. He is directly responsible for University operations in six areas: a $400,000,000.00 procurement operation; risk management and safety; police and security; records management; printing and graphics; and postal operations. He is a two time recipient of the Governors Award for Excellence.

Distinguished Alumnus

Mr. Roy Perry
Retired – Corporate Executive
Sloan Fellow

Roy Perry is a 1978 graduate of Prairie View A&M University.  He is the recipient of  a  Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Prairie View A & M University; he is a Stanford Sloan Fellow and also holds two Master's Degrees:   the first in Electrical Engineering from  Iowa State University, and, the other in Management from Stanford University.  Roy’s motto throughout his career has been:   “… winning is a choice!”  He believes that in every task or challenge, an individual’s attitude determines the majority of the outcome.

After retiring from fulltime industrial pursuits, Roy Perry currently engages in supply chain, operational process, and design consulting in addition to various entrepreneurial and philanthropic pursuits.

Previously, Perry was the corporate Vice-President of Global Supply Chain for StorageTek where he held worldwide responsibility for StorageTek's global supply chain, manufacturing operations, facilities operations and the Information Systems organization.  Under Perry’s leadership, StorageTek was recognized as a “Best Plant in North America” by Industry Week Magazine.

Prior to joining StorageTek, Perry was Vice-President of Dell’s Worldwide Manufacturing and Customer Experience; Home and Small Business Segment;  Nashville Operations and Dimension, Latitude, and, Inspiron Manufacturing Operations. His tenure with Dell was highlighted by record cost savings, six sigma and lean manufacturing, and a record-setting 62 day “green field” start-up of the Nashville operation.   Black Enterprise Magazine described Mr. Perry as a “manufacturing genius” for his leadership and operational excellence at Dell.

He spent two years at Allied Signal Aerospace and a fourteen year career with IBM, where he held positions with increasingly significant leadership and management roles.  Perry was the first African-American Vice-President at Allied Signal, Dell, and StorageTek.  He made his mark by striving for leadership roles with increasing responsibilities and visible accountability to Wall Street.

Perry has received the following awards and accolades:  Top Fifty Blacks in Technology; Black Engineer of the Year for Career Accomplishments; Super Hero in Engineering; Supply Chain Innovator; Most Distinguished Historically Black College and University Graduate; Distinguished Alumni of Prairie View A&M University; and, Distinguished Alumni of Iowa State University among numerous other lifetime achievements.

He has served as the Chairman of the United Negro College Fund drive for Central Texas, Chairman and Founding President of the 100 Black Men of Austin and Central Texas, and, a member of the Capital Campaign Cabinet of Prairie View A&M University.  He is a Life Member of the National Alumni Associations of Prairie View A&M, Iowa State and Stanford Universitities.  In addition, he is a Life Member of the NAACP.  He is an active supporter of the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Martin Luther King Memorial.  His has served on numerous boards and has been a member of several civic and community organizations.

Distinguished Alumnae

Mrs. Opal Smith

Educator & Administrator (Retired)

Mrs. Smith currently serves as co-chair of the University's Capital Campaign Committee, a $30 million dollar fund raising initiative. In 2003, she was inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, Mrs. Opal Johnson Smith is an alumna of Prairie View A&M University where she earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. She later studied at the University of Wisconsin and New York State University. While pursuing advanced studies, Mrs. Smith was supported by National Science Foundation Grants. She earned the Masters Degree in education from Texas Woman's University. After serving in public education for 35 years as a teacher and an administrator, she retired in 1993. During her service as a public school educator, Mrs. Smith was principal investigator for a proposal which resulted in a million grant in mathematics, science, and technology for the Dallas public schools. Mrs. Smith has been recognized as an Outstanding Educator and Community Leader by Clean Dallas, Inc., and as a Eminent Educator by National Women of Achievement, Inc.,. Smith has served as chairperson for three fund raising PVAMU Dallas Alumni Chapter Scholarship Galas held in Dallas. Mrs. Smith reigned as Miss Prairie View from 1953-1954. Of all her achievements, Mrs. Smith is most proud of her family. Her husband Joe Smith is an alumnus of Prairie View A&M University. She has four adult children, a daughter and three sons. Three of her children are physicians and one is a marketing specialist. Mrs. Smith served as President of the Prairie View A & M University National Alumni Association from 1999-2001. Mrs. Smith is a former “Miss Prairie View”.

Distinguished Alumnae

Mrs. Donna Williams

Vice President, Parsons Transportation, Inc.

Williams earned the bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. She is grateful to Prairie View for the success that she now enjoys as vice president of Parsons Transportation Inc. Williams manages Parsons’ southwestern region (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico) in overseeing the design, installation, and construction of navigational aids for this country’s national airspace. Williams says, “I deeply cherish my PV years. In my job as Vice President, I work with people from all around the world. Much of what I learned at Prairie View has helped me excel in my career and my personal life.”