Flossie M. Byrd served as the first Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Prairie View A&M University. Dr. Byrd earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics at Florida A&M University (FAMU); the Master of Education degree in Home Economics Education at Pennsylvania State University and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Home Economics Education with minors in Child Development and Educational Psychology and Measurement at Cornell University.
Born in Sarasota, Florida to John and Elizabeth Smith Byrd, Dr. Byrd was the oldest of 17 children. She enrolled in FAMU intending to be an English major because she wanted to eventually become a teacher. When one of her professors told her that agriculture teachers made more money than English teachers, Dr. Byrd changed her major to home economics.
Dr. Byrd began her professional career as a high school home economics teacher in the Florida public schools. She taught at FAMU before coming to Prairie View A&M University, where she served as the Dean of the College of Home Economics for 23 years. She was appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1991. A title change led to Dr. Byrd’s official appointment as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1993 by then President, Lt. Gen (Ret) Julius Wesley Becton, Jr.
She was a well – known leader in the national land grant community. Additionally, Dr. Byrd held leadership positions in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated as well as in the Church of Christ. When Prairie View A&M University was featured on the Today show in 1993, Dr. Byrd was interviewed by noted television anchor, Katie Couric, who asked her about the value of historically black colleges and universities. She enumerated several success stories of Prairie View A&M University and ended with the statement, “Prairie View A&M University has made its mark.”
Upon her retirement in 1994, Dr. Byrd returned to her hometown of Monticello, Florida where she still spends time with her close family and friends.