PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Apr. 14, 2026) – Global engagement starts with perspective, says Dr. Tammy L. Holmes, a Faculty-in-Residence in Prairie View A&M University’s Department of Languages and Communication.

A global citizen herself, Dr. Holmes defines global engagement as connection, communication, and consciousness – “the belief that we are all part of a larger story, one that transcends borders, languages, and circumstances.”

“Professionally, it’s my mission to ensure that PVAMU students are not just participants in that story, but authors of it,” she said. “Global engagement means creating access, building empathy, and positioning our students as thought leaders and changemakers in an increasingly interconnected world.”

Dr. Holmes is the latest recipient of the University’s Global Engagement Faculty Award. The award honors PVAMU faculty members for excellence in expanding global teaching, research, and/or service. She called it both humbling and affirming.

“To be recognized for work that’s rooted in passion and purpose means a great deal,” she said. “Global engagement, for me, has never been just a title; it’s a calling. This award is a testament to the collective vision of students, colleagues, and international partners who have trusted the work and helped transform ideas into meaningful cross-cultural experiences. It affirms that what we do at Prairie View A&M University resonates far beyond our campus and matters not only locally, but globally.”

Dr. Holmes joined PVAMU in 2018 and teaches globalization and international media, communication law and ethics, and introduction to mass communication.

She holds an EdD in adult and higher education from Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree in communication studies from Eastern Illinois University. Her bachelor’s was in university studies with a concentration in African American studies from Southern Illinois University.

“I’ve always believed in the transformative power of communication and education,” said Dr. Holmes, who was previously honored as a Black Future Maker through AT&T’s Dream in Black program. She has also worked as a FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialist in the reservist program and as a full-time communication instructor at NIU. “From early on, I understood how access to knowledge could change not just an individual’s life but entire communities.”

But she says she did not choose teaching – rather, it chose her.

“Teaching allows me to merge storytelling, global citizenship, and personal development into one purpose, helping others find their voice and use it to create impact,” she said.

She calls her classroom both a think tank and a launch pad, where “media meets mindset,” and students analyze global media trends, produce digital storytelling projects, and engage in global simulations that connect theory to lived global realities, encouraging students to go beyond the textbook.

At PVAMU, Dr. Holmes has co-led Study Abroad Programs, and in 2023, students were featured on the “Open Your Eyes Morning Show” in Belize City, Belize.

“The program not only expanded PVAMU’s international partnerships but also led a forthcoming documentary highlighting the intersection of culture, education, and community development,” Dr. Holmes said.

This year, Dr. Holmes is helping lead the PVAMU Study Abroad Program to Tanzania and Zanzibar, a signature initiative that will unite student leadership, peer mentorship, and feature-length documentary storytelling.

“This program represents years of planning, partnership development, and vision-building, all designed to give students a transformational learning experience that bridges classroom theory with immersive global engagement,” she said.

The itinerary will include collaboration with university partners in Dar es Salaam, Kiswahili language immersion, engagement in Arusha, and cultural exploration in Zanzibar, including Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

“These experiences are designed to deepen students’ understanding of history, identity, and connection across the African diaspora,” Dr. Holmes said. “When students walk through Stone Town or engage in dialogue with Tanzanian scholars, they begin to see globalization not as an abstract concept, but as a lived reality.”

The program has already inspired a global mindset among participants, she added. The Tanzania and Zanzibar program also reflects PVAMU’s broader commitment to internationalization and global leadership within the HBCU community. Through academic exchange, cultural immersion, and documentary production, students are positioned not only as learners but as global storytellers.

“I’m proud not only of where we’re going geographically but of what this journey represents: access, awareness, and empowerment for students who will return home with more than just photos; they will carry perspectives, purpose, and confidence to lead in global spaces long after graduation,” Dr. Holmes said. “Global learning isn’t just about travel, its ultimately about transformation – it’s about curiosity, compassion, and courage. It’s about understanding that your degree is not just a finish line, it’s a passport to amplify your impact in the world.”

Dr. Holmes’ work continues this summer, as she prepares to lead a study abroad trip to Tanzania from May 10–27, 2026. The program has reached full capacity, with 30 PVAMU students set to participate, reflecting growing interest in global learning opportunities.

Support for the trip also includes a student-centered fundraising campaign that highlights the impact of international experiences on academic and personal growth, linked here.

By Christine Won

-PVAMU-