The University Historical Marker Initiative is designed to preserve the history of the University’s buildings on campus that were either demolished or destroyed. On March 24, 2008, the University erected its first two historical markers with two formal dedication ceremonies. Cast in bronze to include a rendering and description of each building, the markers were placed in site locations for the University’s first administration building and for the Prairie View Hospital, which once served the entire University community and its surrounding areas. The markers were funded by various sources, including The Brown Foundation, Inc. and funds raised by the PVAMU Office of Student Affairs and Institutional Relations. The goal of the Prairie View A&M University Historical Marker initiative is to erect additional markers at other sites on campus to serve as a foundation for a walking tour that captures the University’s rich history and educates students, alumni, faculty, staff and visitors.

PVAMU has partnered with the University of Kentucky for the last four years to provide students enrolled at both institutions the Opportunity to Travel Abroad. During the tour, the student group visits Ghana’s capital city of Accra and the smaller townships of Aseseeso, Adjeikrom, Kumasi and Elmina. The annual trip is a one-month tour that includes attending lectures and participating in traditional Ghanaian living. While examining both the educational and social structures of the country, the students participate in informative orientations and classroom lectures.

The 4th Floor Space, the University’s first official art gallery, opened its doors in April of 2004. Located on the fourth floor of the John B. Coleman Library, this space is a multi-faceted gallery designed to feature three exhibits concurrently. The Wilhelmina Delco Story (shown below left and center) and the University’s collection of African art objects are permanent installations. The third feature of the gallery is a central aisle that functions as a rotating exhibition space and features a different art exhibition every two to three months (shown below right). The 4th Floor Space has the responsibility of enriching the Prairie View campus community’s academic and cultural advancement through collections, exhibitions, acquisitions and cultural programming. Set in a rural landscape, this gallery functions as the University’s porthole to artists, practices and exhibitions that are otherwise only accessible within major urban centers.