Julius Wesley Becton, Jr.

Lieutenant General US Army-Retired

Julius W. Becton served as the fifth president of Prairie View A&M University, his alma mater, from 1989-1994. Becton is credited for: playing a key role in overseeing the reaffirmation of university programs by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, improving the university’s fiscal operations, increasing private sector gifts to the institution and spearheading initiatives to realize growth in the awarding of research grants to Prairie View. Becton will always be remembered for his excellence in leadership, accessibility to students and his professional regard by faculty and staff. Becton retired with the distinction of being bestowed an Honorary Doctorate by the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System.

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.