Welcome Back!

It is my pleasure to welcome you back to “The Hill.” I trust that you had a restful and productive summer, and return ready for even greater challenges and accomplishments.

Since my arrival, over four weeks ago, I have experienced the “new day” feeling that permeates throughout the campus and that is symbolized in our active construction projects across the university. There is an air of expectancy and growth among all of us. We are on the move! As you know, with growth comes temporary pain. I ask for your patience over the next few months as we wrap up campus projects that promise to transform your student experience and continues our march toward premiere status.

You will also see signs of growth coming from the Division of Student Affairs as we advance in concert with all areas of the university.  You will soon notice efforts to better inform you about student services and support. We are launching student resource centers across the university’s three campuses. I recently announced our plan to reorganize our division around a center of excellence model, with a goal of creating a university-wide high-performance center of excellence in the coming years. I enthusiastically announced a university-wide “1PV-Unity Day” that builds our community and deepens our traditions. Student Affairs is truly excited about this upcoming year as we strengthen our support for your success and provide a wow experience.

As I write to you, I continue to bask in the glow of my crossing last week, where I received my pin and became a member of the PV ‘22 class. As I embraced our commitment to excellence, to follow our code of honor, to exemplify our core values, and took the panther oath, I found myself at a university, and among thousands of students who are very serious about the legacy that they inherit, the high expectations placed before them, and the responsibility that awaits them upon their 2022 graduation.  At that moment, I felt the gravity and weight of being a member of our remarkable university.

By way of introduction, as I said, I arrived on campus as your vice president for student affairs on July 23rd.  Most recently, I worked at Morehouse College and had tenures at Rensselaer, NYU, Swarthmore College, Williams College and the College of St. Rose.  I am originally from Syracuse, New York, with degrees in History and Sociology, Africana Studies and Africology.  I am a father of two who enjoys travel, cooking/entertaining, and all matters of the African world. I am drawn to Prairie View because of my longstanding commitment to educational access, diversity, excellence, and impact, and the university’s commitment to elevate the students’ experience. I am thrilled to be here at PV at this significant time in its history, and I am excited to help you succeed.

Please accept my sincere gratitude for those who welcomed my family and me into the Prairie View family. I ask upper-class students to provide this same care and support for our incoming students, as you recall how important feeling welcomed is to student success.  I remind you of the African proverb that says, “If you wish to go fast, go alone.  But if you wish to go far, go together.”  At PV we choose to go far together!

WELCOME BACK AND HAVE A GREAT YEAR!

Very best,

Tim Sams, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs