PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Nov. 25, 2025) – Prairie View A&M University is represented among this year’s Texas A&M University System honorees, with one faculty member and one extension professional selected for prestigious regents-level distinctions.
Aliakbar Montazer Haghighi, Ph.D.
The Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents approved the designation of 17 faculty members as Regents Professors and 13 agency service, extension, and research professionals as Regents Fellows for exemplary performance and professional service during the 2024–2025 fiscal year. The System serves approximately 175,000 students and reaches millions more annually through research, service, and outreach across its statewide network of 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M–Fort Worth, and Texas A&M–RELLIS.
PVAMU Professor of Mathematics Dr. Aliakbar M. Haghighi received the Regents’ Professors Award, and Dr. Jimmy L. Henry, program leader for community and economic development in the Cooperative Extension Program, received the Regents Fellows Award.
These honors, established in 1996 and 1997 respectively, recognize individuals across the System whose contributions strengthen academic excellence, research, and service throughout Texas.
“The exceptional achievements of these individuals reflect the very heart of The Texas A&M University System’s mission to serve the state of Texas — a mission rooted in our founding as a land-grant institution,” said Chairman Robert Albritton in a press release.
Dr. Haghighi expressed great joy for the recognition.
“It gives me a feeling that my 23 years of academic and administrative work at PVAMU has been recognized by my colleagues and administrators from Dean to Provost, to President and, finally, to the Chancellor,” he said.
During his more than two decades at PVAMU, Dr. Haghighi has published eight books, tens of mathematical research papers in internationally recognized journals, and served as chair of the Department of Mathematics for 19 years. His tenure includes establishing the Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal, now in its 20th year of publication, as well as founding the Aliakbar M. Haghighi Scholarship.
Reflecting on his broader impact, Dr. Haghighi highlighted student evaluations, departmental awards, and recognitions such as the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2021) and the Outstanding Research Award from Science Laurels (2025), among others.
Jimmy Henry, Ph.D.
Shortly after receiving the Regents Fellows Award, Dr. Henry successfully defended his dissertation to earn his PhD.
“Receiving the TAMUS Regents Fellow Service Award is truly a great honor and privilege for me,” Dr. Henry said. “Being recognized by my co-workers and colleagues in the TAMU system means a lot—it’s a moment that makes me feel deeply appreciated and valued within our university community. Knowing that my work is acknowledged among such a select group of professionals is both humbling and motivating. This recognition reinforces my sense of purpose and belonging, and it inspires me to continue striving for excellence in everything I do.”
In particular, it tells him that his passion has an impact.
“It tells me that the projects I champion—especially those focused on workforce development and economic empowerment—are making a real difference,” he said.
He highlighted two initiatives: the Businesses In Development (BID) Academy and the Rural Workforce Academy (TRWA).
BID Academy is an initiative he envisioned “to help local entrepreneurs secure government contracts and grow their businesses.” TRWA provides trades training and career pathways for individuals in rural communities.
“Many participants have gone on to start new careers, earn certifications, and improve their lives,” Dr. Henry said. “These programs have not only changed individual trajectories but have also contributed to the economic vitality of our region.”
The two newly made regents offered many pieces of advice and wisdom.
Dr. Henry put it simply:
- Be consistent in your efforts.
- Always work towards what is right.
- Set clear goals, but remain open to new ideas.
- Surround yourself with smart, driven people.
- Never stop learning—seek out new knowledge and experiences.
Dr. Haghighi shared separate thoughts for colleagues and students.
For colleagues, he emphasized working hard without excuse, thinking critically, being organized, and maintaining dedication to one’s workplace and profession.
For students, he encouraged them to care about their future, think, organize their time, study “with no excuse,” and set their hopes very high.
“Since the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas opened its doors in 1876, our System has carried forward a promise of practical education, research and service for all Texans,” Albritton said. “These Regents Professors and Fellows embody that enduring commitment, and their dedication will inspire others across our universities and agencies.”
By Christine Won
-PVAMU-