PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (March 3, 2023) – For six years, Ruth J. Simmons served as Prairie View A&M University’s eighth president. She was the first woman to do so in the University’s nearly 150-year history. This spring, the former president will take the stage as speaker of PVAMU’s 141st Spring Commencement.
“University Presidents are generally charged with the responsibility of selecting commencement speakers. As acting president, with the support of PVAMU executive officers and the TAMU System, I extended an invitation to Ruth Simmons to serve as the Spring 2023 commencement speaker. We are delighted that she accepted the invitation and look forward to the inspirational message she will share with our graduates and all in attendance,” said Michael L. McFrazier, acting president of PVAMU.
As in recent spring ceremonies, it will be a large event with nearly 1,000 students expected to receive degrees in Panther Stadium in front of their friends, family and loved ones. Many graduating seniors are excited to hear Simmons speak because they began their life-changing college careers under her leadership.
“Dr. Simmons made me feel like I mattered. Every time I entered her office door, she made me feel like my thoughts mattered, my opinion mattered, my efforts mattered…that I mattered. I will not forget all Dr. Simmons has done for this University, and I am deeply honored to have her serve as the commencement speaker,” said graduating senior psychology major Stanley Hamilton.
“When I came to Prairie View in 2019, I had no clue how impactful this institution would be to me. I especially had no clue that I would learn to admire our president, Dr. Ruth Simmons, deeply. She exemplified ‘knowing your why’ and led with unwavering confidence. Dr. Ruth has forever left her mark at Prairie View and in my heart. She showed me fearless female leadership, which I will forever carry,” said communications senior Shelbi McNulty.
A noted leader in higher education, Simmons served in various faculty and administrative roles at the University of Southern California, Princeton University, and Spelman College before becoming president of Smith College, the largest women’s college in the United States. Prior to taking on the top administrator role at PVAMU, Simmons served as President of Brown University from 2001-2012, becoming the first African American to lead an Ivy League institution. Brown made significant strides in improving its standing as one of the world’s finest research universities.
Simmons assumed her position as president of PVAMU in 2017. Under her leadership, the University attained the prestigious Carnegie R2 classification, expanded academic offerings, and surpassed fundraising goals, including receiving a $50 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest gift in the University’s 146-year history.
PVAMU’s 141st Spring Commencement Convocation is scheduled for Sat., May 13.
“Dr. Simmons embodies excellence and poise, shining a bright light on any room she enters. I am truly honored that she will be the commencement speaker at my graduation from my soon-to-be alma mater and hear the wisdom she imparts to all of us in our final moments as undergraduates of this distinguished University,” said chemistry major Trinity Lynette Brigham.
Visit pvamu.edu/commencement for more information about the event.
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