PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (October, 2, 2020) – As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, returning to the university where he began his education seems like a natural move for W. Gabriel Selassie I, Ph.D., ’88. He is participating in the new Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Visiting Alumnus Program, where he will again learn on campus, while sharing his knowledge with others to make an impact on the university.
W. Gabriel Selassie I, Ph.D.
The Visiting Alumnus Program, created by PVAMU President Ruth J. Simmons, is an opportunity to advance the institution’s mission by welcoming back alumni who can share their unique experiences. Current students, faculty, and staff have the benefit of learning from these alumni who bring skills and best practices from their work and studies at other academic, military, and private sector institutions.
As a visiting alumnus, Gabriel brings a wealth of knowledge working with underserved populations. He arrived on campus in early September and is already working alongside Simmons on campus projects and learning the administrative relationship between the Texas A&M University System and PVAMU. “Dr. Simmons is a reservoir of knowledge. Her perspectives on issues related to university institutions are fascinating. She’s a smart, strategic thinker who hasn’t lost her sense of humor,” he said.
Gabriel is honored to work with Simmons, and he appreciates the faculty and staff in the President’s Office, who dedicate a great deal of their lives each day to make PVAMU a great institution. “For me, this was an opportunity to learn from smart people,” he said.
He credits PVAMU for launching his additional educational experiences and professional career. Like so many other alumni, Gabriel sees his fellow Panthers as a family. “I think people don’t actually realize what Prairie View does for you. The best thing about Prairie View is that you can find faculty and staff that care just as much for you as they do for their own family members. When I was a student, I had four faculty members in the School of Architecture who spent extra time teaching me how to think, create, and take risks. These were Don Kerl, Wesley Henderson, Simon Wiltz, and Ben McMillian,” he said.
PVAMU provided Gabriel a well-rounded education, as he also learned from professors in other academic disciplines. Whitlowe R. Green College of Education Professor Clarissa Booker, Ph.D., taught him the importance of getting out into the world, becoming an adult, and professionalizing his outlook. “She once told me to learn how to make pizzas so I could entertain clients. I actually did that in Morocco and gained a business partner. Prairie View gave me confidence and a pathway to a life that surpassed many of my friends that went elsewhere,” said Gabriel.
After graduating from PVAMU in 1988 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minor in Civil Engineering, Gabriel continued his education. With a strong background from PVAMU, he continued his journey to learn more and earned several post-graduate degrees:
- Masters of Public History & Historic Preservation from California State University, Dominguez Hills
- Master of Arts, African American Studies, University of California, Los Angeles
- Master of Arts, Theology, University of Notre Dame
- Master of Arts, History, Claremont Graduate University
- Doctor of Philosophy, History, Claremont Graduate University
Learning is his passion, and Gabriel shared his knowledge with others as a professor of African-American studies, history, and religion at Los Angeles City College and an adjunct professor at Claremont Graduate University. In addition, he held professional engineering and architecture positions in both the public and private sectors, including serving as CEO, principal, and archistoria at CRM, LLC, a historic preservation firm.
The opportunity to collaborate with the PVAMU administration team is a vital part of the Visiting Alumnus experience. Gabriel acknowledges their responsibility. “Upper-level administration is important because they are responsible for the quality of the experience students have while attending the university. The oldest surviving and running university is the University of al-Qarawiyyin in North Africa. It was founded in 859. So, the world has over a thousand years of experience in building and running universities. While all academic institutions have their unique characteristics, we still have to put in place procedures and best practices that have been proven to work.”
When considering his role as a visiting alumnus, Gabriel says he plans to listen and learn. The program allows him to further his passion for learning in an environment that is personally significant. “I get to work at a beautiful campus with great students, faculty, and staff. I also get an opportunity to learn from the outstanding faculty and staff,” he said. “It’s an honor to be here.”
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