PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Feb. 19, 2026) – Democracy came alive at Prairie View A&M University during “State of the Hill,” when students exemplified leadership and legacy rooted in a democratic spirit.
Themed, “Your Voice. Your Hill. Your Legacy,” the PVAMU Student Government Association’s (SGA) annual address featured an invocation by SGA Chaplain Corey Talton, the national and Black national anthems by SGA Business Manager Joshua Lot, and the Panther Battalion color guard of the Army ROTC.
The hour-long campus-wide forum, centered on student advocacy, shared governance, and the future of The Hill, featured SGA President Jaquavous Doucette, who also serves as Student Regent for The Texas A&M University System.
“State of the Hill is democracy in action,” said Doucette. “It is about accountability, transparency, and making sure student voices are part of every conversation that shapes our campus today and for generations to come.”
44th Presidency
Doucette, a senior majoring in communications with a minor in criminal justice from Orlando, said his campaign pledge was inspired by the 44th president of the United States: President Barack Obama.
Photography by Brian Scott Jr. ’25 and Petro Cornealius Jr.
That was before he realized he’d be the 44th SGA president, until someone on his campaign team noted the coincidence.
“Let me be clear, Prairie View A&M University is rising,” Doucette said. “Prairie View University is not just any institution. PVAMU continues to grow in enrollment, expand academic programs, increase research productivity, and strengthen student success outcomes. We’re consistently recognized as the top HBCU and the highest-ranked HBCU in the state of Texas, and the No. 1 leading institution for social mobility, helping students rise and succeed. These accomplishments reflect the strength of our students, our faculty, and our legacy.
“But with that rise comes responsibility–our responsibility to speak about our university with pride, to correct misinformation and to uplift the institution that is uplifting us.”
Leadership, he stressed, is accountability.
As SGA president, he said he issued multiple executive orders, released presidential statements on different topics, and participated in over a dozen administrative meetings and executed several initiatives on behalf of the student body, including a $10 scooter registration policy.
This semester, SGA also launched a comprehensive rebrand, including its official logo, seal, and identity to reflect the organization’s professionalism, purpose, legacy, and commitment to student leadership.
“It creates consistency across our communications, increases recognition of our work, and reinforces a simple truth that student government is not distant,” Doucette said. “Student government is not symbolic, and student government is not ceremonial, but it is accountable. It is active, and it is here to serve.”
He also hinted at two anticipated launches in partnership with Auxiliary Services to enhance students’ experiences and address some longstanding campus needs, without sharing further details.
Alongside Doucette were the SGA Chief Justice and members of the executive committee, as class presidents also shared brief updates and accomplishments. The State of The Hill offers students a chance to learn about campus initiatives and connect with student representatives.
SGA Updates
SGA Chief Justice Ennissa Wright, a senior criminal justice major, gave updates from the judicial branch, including improving the student Code of Conduct and addressing student concerns about parking and ensuring fairness in ticket appeals processes.
She also highlighted a key accomplishment was updating governing documents for the incoming 45th administration to ensure SGA continues to operate “constitutionally and ethically” while serving students.
Comptroller Kenneth Lee, a senior finance major, reported on SGA finances. From a $130,000 budget and about $30,000 for student organizations, seven organizations received $11,500 in approved resources: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., National Association of Black Journalists, Baker for a Cause, the Pink Pen, American Institute of Architecture Students, Panther Educators on the Rise, and Panther Anime Society.
In addition, 25 more were approved for $35,000 pending completion of requests.
Executive Vice President Eddie Fowler III reflected on legislative work, calling the Senate the “hands and feet” of SGA. He reported that 56 pieces of legislation, including 28 Senate bills and 15 Senate resolutions were completed this semester. In addition, the Senate hosted five town halls across colleges to understand student needs.
The next step will be what he called the biggest priority of the year: campus safety. The Senate has so far received over 10,000 survey responses from students detailing challenges in everyday campus life. Fowler said the Senate is working on safety improvements, as well as initiatives such as infrastructure stability, expanded voter education and civil engagement.
Class Initiatives
Freshman Class President Alyssa Sheriff, a political science major from Compton, California, is planning twice-monthly social, educational, and resourceful events to help freshmen navigate campus with confidence. “I want every freshman to have the tools they need to succeed and make this their home,” she said, urging not just attendance but meaningful contribution from every member. “This semester, I envision our class to be engaged, present, and fully involved.”
Sophomore Class President Gabrielle Given, a civil engineering major from Louisiana, highlighted her focus on improving student life. She wrote three bills addressing students’ everyday concerns: fixing washers and dryers, fixing the sprinklers, and adding trash cans. The sophomore class also launched “HBCU Linking Up” for collaboration with other Historically Black Colleges and Universities, she said, to “remind us that we are part of something bigger than just our own campus.”
Junior Class President Montreal Cage Jr., an agriculture major from Louisiana, discussed initiatives, such as “What’s on the Ballot” student voter education, “Changes on the Hill” forums, and “Hugs in a Blanket” for Texas Children’s Hospital. The class also launched the “Most Valuable Panther of the Week” initiative to recognize juniors who stood out for their leadership, service, and dedication.
“I encourage every student to stay engaged, attend events, serve your community, invest in your personal growth, and take advantage of opportunities that prepare you not just for graduation, but for the future beyond it,” Cage said. “Student leadership thrives when students participate.”
Senior Class President Kennedy Archery, a criminal justice major with a minor in cybersecurity, described focusing on student connection, representation, and senior unity. She is planning more career development and senior-focused programming in the next semester.
“Over the course of the fall semester, our most significant achievement has been laying a strong foundation for student connection and representation,” Archery said. “Through planning and teamwork, my council focused on creating initiatives that reflect the needs, voices, and experiences of our classmates. Whether through class-wide communications, student-centered programming, or advocating for student-focused priorities, our goal was simple: To ensure students felt seen, supported, and informed as we navigate the next part of our lives. These efforts strengthened class unity and improved overall senior unity on campus.”
Class presidents encouraged Panthers to take ownership of their legacy on campus and engage with the Prairie View A&M community.
Doucette also invited students to make their voices heard in the next SGA elections this spring, telling them, “This will be your opportunity to choose the next generation of leaders who will carry forward the torch.”
By Christine Won
-PVAMU-