PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (March 13, 2025) – Six-thousand and fourteen: That’s how many students achieved academic excellence at Prairie View A&M University in the fall and spring semesters of 2024. Now, the University is set to celebrate them at this year’s Founders’ Day and Honors Recognition Convocation.
The event on March 19, hosted by the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering this year, is not just a testament to the hard work these students put in to earn a spot on the Honor Roll or Dean’s Honors lists—it also reflects PVAMU’s deep-rooted history of excellence. On March 11, 1878, eight young African American men made history as the first of their race to enroll in a state-supported college in Texas. Their bold steps paved the way for generations of PVAMU students who continue to break barriers and redefine success.
To qualify for the University Honor Roll, students must carry a minimum 12-semester-hour course load, maintain a GPA of 3.50 or greater (not including developmental courses), and earn no grade lower than a C. Dean’s Honors includes students who carry a minimum 12-semester-hour course load and maintain a GPA between 3.0 and 3.49.
“As we gather to celebrate Prairie View A&M University’s Founders’ Day and Honors Recognition Convocation, we reflect on our rich history, enduring legacy, and the extraordinary achievements of our students—the scholars, leaders, and innovators who embody the spirit of PVAMU,” said Dr. Aashir Nasim, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Your hard work and commitment to success uphold the legacy of our founders, who envisioned PVAMU as a beacon of opportunity and excellence in higher education.”
This year’s keynote speaker, Brig. Gen. Antoinette R. Gant, a proud graduate of PVAMU’s Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, exemplifies the power of a PVAMU education. In 2022, Gant was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in a ceremony held at her alma mater, becoming the first African American female active-duty engineer to achieve the rank of general officer.
In 2023, Brig. Gen. Gant assumed duties as Chief of the Army Enterprise Marketing Office, where she leads national recruitment campaigns. Previously, she commanded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ South Pacific Division, overseeing a workforce of more than 2,500 military and civilian personnel and managing infrastructure projects valued at over $8 billion. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held key leadership roles in the U.S. Army, both stateside and abroad, including serving as the combined joint engineer for the Resolute Support and OFS headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan.
A native of Port Gibson, Mississippi, Gant graduated from PVAMU as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a commission in the Engineer Regiment. She also holds master’s degrees in engineering management and national resource strategy and is a certified project management professional. Her dedication and achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the Army Stars and Stripes Award, the Black Engineer of the Year Award, and the Women of Color Career Achievement in Government Award.
PVAMU’s Founders’ Day and the Honors Recognition Convocation is more than a ceremony—it’s a celebration of determination, a nod to history, and a glimpse into the bright future PVAMU students continue to build.
For more details about the event, visit the 2025 Founders’ Day and Honors Recognition Convocation website at pvamu.edu/honorsconvocation.
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