PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Nov. 20, 2023) – As Texas’ second-oldest public institution of higher education, Prairie View A&M University is deeply rooted in culture and tradition. For over a century, the University has remained steadfast in its commitment to excellence and its mission of teaching, research and service by addressing the diverse needs of its community, state and the global society. Through cultivating a vibrant academic and research ecosystem that champions collaboration and innovation, PVAMU has positioned itself as a rising star among Historically Black Colleges and Universities and institutions across the U.S.
In honor of PVAMU’s dedication to research excellence and community and economic engagement, the Association of Public Land-Grant Universities has designated PVAMU as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. The announcement marks a significant milestone for PVAMU, as only 85 institutions have earned this distinguished recognition. Furthermore, the University is the first member of The Texas A&M University System to achieve the national designation.
“We’re honored and proud to be recognized by APLU as an IEP University,” said PVAMU President Tomikia P. LeGrande, Ed.D. “Innovation and service are at the heart of our mission as a land-grant university, and this award reflects PVAMU’s commitment to building, transforming and sustaining the communities that surround us. It recognizes our University for being a changemaker, dedicated to increasing access to education, making important discoveries, developing the workforce, and enhancing the quality of life for all.”
APLU’s IEP designation acknowledges public research universities that collaborate with public and private sector partners to support and stimulate regional economic growth. As a designee, PVAMU joins a group of leading higher education institutions that are enhancing economic and community engagement through activities focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, talent and workforce development, and technology transfer.
“PVAMU’s research enterprise strives to generate, advance, and elevate curriculum and strategic initiatives that empower scholars and push the boundaries of innovation,” said PVAMU Vice President of Research and Innovation Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., MBA, P.E. “Through this IEP designation and our ongoing interdisciplinary programs and partnerships, PVAMU will continue to support and develop our communities and nurture individuals to reach their full potential.”
The road to achieving APLU’s esteemed IEP designation was a years-long journey spearheaded by PVAMU’s dedicated R&I team, which includes Dr. Rajan; Bobby Melvin, J.D., executive director of R&I Operations; and Rebecca Faison, Ph.D., MBA, director, Innovation-Economic Development. They worked closely with on- and off-campus stakeholders to complete a rigorous self-study of PVAMU’s economic engagement enterprise to identify strengths and areas for growth.
“The application process included the design of a self-study plan that expresses the PVAMU story with new and existing data,” Dr. Faison explained. “The implementation outcomes objective is to help assess and elevate the institution’s economic and community engagement impact as we connect with and cultivate stakeholder partnerships.”
“Earning this designation is a great accomplishment for PVAMU and will significantly impact our ability to interact with our surrounding communities to build economic partnerships,” noted Melvin.
PVAMU’s commitment to continuous learning and community engagement is evidenced through numerous collaborative programs and initiatives established by the University’s R&I Division. They reflect PVAMU’s core values of providing equal educational opportunities, embracing and expanding diversity, fostering leadership, ensuring relevance, and promoting social responsibility. Within just five years, these efforts have resulted in the University obtaining over $100 million in research expenditures and achieving the prestigious R2 Carnegie Classification.
Other accomplishments and impactful projects include:
- PVAMU’s selection by the U.S. Department of Transportation to lead a University Transportation Center focused on enhancing the durability and extending the life of the nation’s infrastructure. PVAMU is the first HBCU to lead a national-tier UTC.
- The Air Panther NextGen Network project, which expands broadband networks, supports K-12 technology and improves professional and workforce development initiatives. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration awarded PVAMU a $3-million grant as part of the NTIA’s Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program.
Data analysis also revealed that:
- PVAMU’s economic impact exceeds $765 million annually in Texas, supporting 5,300 full-time jobs in the state. (This includes a broader economic impact in the Greater Houston metropolitan area.)
- PVAMU has conferred over 80,000 academic degrees in its history – awarding nearly 6,000 in the last five years (over 2,400 are graduate degrees). Degrees awarded in the 2018-2019 academic year alone facilitated more than $4 billion in lifetime earnings for degree recipients.
- University enrollment now exceeds 9,000, with learners joining from throughout the U.S. and many other countries.
To continue to enhance the University’s economic engagement enterprise, PVAMU colleges, schools, divisions, and departments will affirm that their mission statements include economic and community engagement strategic outcomes.
According to the APLU, “institutions that have received the IEP designation have reported significant advancement of their efforts due to the stakeholder engagement and self-study efforts undertaken in conjunction with the program.”
“Thank you to our local government officials, stakeholders, and community members, whose incredible support and partnership helped make this historical achievement possible,” said Dr. Rajan. “Together, we will continue to innovate and impact our communities and the world.”
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