PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Sept. 8, 2026) – Prairie View A&M University President Tomikia P. LeGrande, Ed.D., will be honored with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s Educational Leadership Award during the organization’s 39th Anniversary Gala on Sept. 12 in Washington, D.C.
TMCF announced Dr. LeGrande among the honorees for this year’s gala, which brings together corporate executives, government officials and philanthropists to celebrate the organization’s impact and recognize leaders advancing opportunities for students. The Anniversary Gala is TMCF’s largest fundraiser and awards ceremony.
Since becoming PVAMU’s ninth president in June 2023, Dr. LeGrande has advanced initiatives at the University focused on student success, institutional transformation and academic excellence.
Under her leadership, PVAMU launched PV Cares, a comprehensive student success model designed to provide students with coordinated support throughout their academic journey. The initiative connects students with a dedicated CARE team that includes an academic advisor, financial counselor and career coach.
Dr. LeGrande also led the development and launch of Journey to Eminence: 2035, the University’s strategic plan, which establishes a framework for advancing operational effectiveness, teaching and academic relevance, student success, research and innovation, and partnerships and engagement.
Nationally recognized for her work in strategic planning, student access and success, and institutional transformation, Dr. LeGrande has received numerous honors throughout her career. In 2025, she received the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s President’s Game ChangeHER Award, and in 2024, she was named one of Houston’s Top 30 Influential Women.
The Educational Leadership Award adds to a growing list of recognitions for Dr. LeGrande as she leads PVAMU during its 150th anniversary year.
With over 10,000 students this fall, PVAMU is one of the nation’s largest HBCUs and continues to earn national recognition for its academic and institutional excellence. Forbes ranked PVAMU No. 3 among public HBCUs in its 2026 Top HBCUs list.
Actor Larenz Tate will return as host for the gala in September, with media personality Tambra Cherie serving as the red carpet host. Grammy Award-winning vocalist Ledisi is scheduled to provide entertainment.
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