PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Feb. 21, 2025) – On Feb. 18, nearly 100 student leaders, alumni, and representatives from several departments exemplified Prairie View A&M University with pride in Austin for PVAMU Day at the Capitol. The event provided a platform for students and alumni to engage directly with state legislators, advocating for funding and policy initiatives critical to the institution’s continued growth and success.

During their discussions with lawmakers, these PVAMU representatives focused on four key funding priorities:

  1. Restoring Institutional Enhancement ($14.03M) – Supports essential student success programs and services, including Undergraduate Admissions, Developmental Education, Academic Advising, Career Services, and Student Counseling Services. The loss of funds significantly impacts PVAMU’s ability to recruit, admit, enroll, and support students.
  2. Strengthening the Research Enterprise ($10M) – PVAMU is one of only 11 HBCUs with R2 status and aims to achieve R1 status within 10 years. Funding will support faculty recruitment, doctoral and post-doctoral support, and research infrastructure. Research areas include public health, agriculture, energy, AI, cybersecurity, and more.
  3. Expansion of Public and Allied Health Programs ($5M) – Public and Allied Health is now one of the fastest-growing academic programs at the University, comprising over 10 percent of the University’s enrollment in its first year of operation; with plans to establish a public health-related research center. Funding will support faculty recruitment, research, and community engagement to meet growing enrollment and address public health challenges.
  4. Center for the Study and Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency ($1M) – Funding will expand targeted research and training of school personnel, juvenile justice professionals, and community members from youth-focused organizations at existing Center sites, and the establishment of new sites in the Panhandle, Big Bend, and South Texas Plains to meet the needs. Focus areas include youth incarceration, mental health, and family issues.

These priorities reinforce PVAMU’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, ensuring the University remains a driving force in higher education. By securing essential funding, PVAMU can expand academic programs, advance groundbreaking research, and enhance student support services. With these investments, the University will continue to shape future leaders, foster innovation, and make a lasting impact across Texas and beyond.

“Witnessing our students lead meaningful conversations about our funding priorities was truly inspiring,” said PVAMU President Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande. “At PVAMU, we aim to cultivate bold citizenship and leadership for community and societal advancement. The unity of students, alumni, and faculty/staff in advocacy painted a powerful narrative of our collective impact on the State of Texas.”

Student Voices in Action

Student leaders and alumni played a pivotal role in advancing PVAMU’s mission during the day. Jasmine Jeffries, PVAMU’s Student Government Association President and senior communications major, expressed the significance of direct engagement with lawmakers: “PVAMU Day at the Capitol was a powerful reminder that our voices matter. As students, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our University and ensure that lawmakers understand the impact of their decisions on our education. This experience reinforced the importance of advocacy and leadership.”

Junior psychology major Allonah Ashworth also shared her perspective: “Through one-on-one meetings with state legislators and their staff, I was able to lead discussions on PVAMU’s key funding priorities and present how these issues directly impact students,” said the political action chair of PVAMU’s Student Government Association. “This experience reinforced the power of student advocacy and civic engagement, proving that when we show up prepared, we can make a meaningful impact.”

Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, a graduate student in PVAMU’s School of Public and Allied Health, reflected on the day’s success: “Our primary objective was to make the ‘big ask’ for funding priorities that will ensure PVAMU continues to thrive. The enthusiasm among our group was palpable, and our conversations with legislators were met with genuine interest and support.”

“PVAMU Day at the Capitol presented a vital opportunity for us to convey the significance of Prairie View A&M University as a premier institution,” said Kelly N. Collins ‘94, president of PVAMU-Dallas Alumni Chapter. “As an alumna, I was honored to take on the role as an advocate. This Day on the Capitol, mission accomplished.”

A Day to Remember

Amidst a bustling Capitol full of visiting groups, PVAMU’s students and alumni, in addition to musical performances by the PV Concert Chorale and PV Jazz Band, left a lasting positive impression and understanding of the depth of excellence at Prairie View A&M University. State Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) and State Representative Stan Kitzman (R-District 85) presented resolutions acknowledging the University’s excellence.

Dr. LeGrande summarized the experience: “Leading this esteemed institution on our Journey to Eminence fills me with pride daily, but [PVAMU Day at the Capitol] was truly special. Our students, alumni, and supporters painted a powerful narrative of our collective impact on the State of Texas.”

The 89th Texas Legislature began on Jan. 14 and will end on June 2. The Texas Legislature meets every two years to pass the state budget and new laws.

For more information on PVAMU’s legislative priorities, visit pvamu.edu/pvdatc.

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