PRAIRIE VIEW, TX – Prairie View A&M University’s Office of the President, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences dignitaries, as well as family and friends of Lieutenant Colonel Benny L. Lockett, gathered in the Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) building to rename the building’s auditorium after the retired military veteran, in a ceremony that lauded the PVAMU alum for his lifelong devotion to serving others.
On Wednesday, January 18 PVAMU Provost James Palmer presided over the ceremony and guests recited the National Anthem and listened to a brief scripture and invocation from former alum, Reverend Mark Falls. Provost Emerita and Professor E. Joahanne Thomas-Smith spoke about Lockett’s extraordinary life, highlighting the indisputable characteristics of his spirit.
“It is for his labor, example as an extraordinary citizen, and extreme generosity, with his resources, love for his alma mater, and love for his humankind that we show the world in this dedication for Lt. Benny Lockett, that we can indeed feel the love,” Thomas-Smith said. “Today we salute the life of an extraordinary man.”
Dr. Ruth Simmons praised Lockett for being a shining example of leadership and service, qualities that he illustrated unerringly throughout his life. Prior to post-military service, he successfully pursued two degrees and carved out a career in corporate America. He returned to PVAMU to serve in the CEP and was a leader in several educational and leadership organizations throughout his life.
“Each of these accomplishments standing alone is a considerable achievement,” Simmons said. “That he did all of it so selflessly and well is a testament to what is possible when one does truly embrace all the possibilities and responsibilities that life offers.”
Though Lockett served long before CAHS Dean Gerard D’Souza’s tenure, he says his legacy has influenced and strengthened the college, namely CEP, which is the very heart of the college’s mission, to provide educational and practical values to the community.
“Our college and university are proud to serve society in this way and we’ve done that since our founding,” D’Souza said. “Lockett’s legacy continues to permeate not only the halls of this auditorium but the halls in the building and many others on and off the campus.”
As a member of the Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Century Council Executive Committee between 2007 to 2020, Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharpe says he knew Lockett well and held him in the highest regard for his support of the TAMU system. “I will remember him as a very kind, loyal, and soft-spoken man,” Sharpe said in a message. “But most of all, I will remember him as my friend.”
Lockett’s unwavering selfless and generous heart was the throughline of the entire ceremony. For those who knew him best and those who only knew of his immense legacy, his love for his community was undeniable. As the pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Reverend Marcus Cosby described him, Lockett was a “great man that served greatly.”
Lockett’s wife Mamie Lockett spoke fondly of her late husband, reminiscing on his devotion to his Christian faith and service to his church, alma mater, and family. “He was a man who asked for very little,” Mamie said. “He was one in a million, and he will be missed.”
Lockett was born in Linden, Texas, and graduated from PVAMU in 1961 with a degree in agricultural education. He earned a master’s degree in biology from Wisconsin State University and was soon accepted into their law school. After retiring from the military in the 70s, Lockett joined the United States Army Reserve. For his distinguished military career, Lockett earned several accolades, including a Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and many more.
He worked as an engineer for Texas Instruments before returning to PVAMU to serve in the CEP in various capacities throughout his time. An ardent supporter of education, Lockett was an active member of many boards, councils, and committees, including the Fairview Reunion Corporation of Linden, Texas which he founded, PVAMU Class of 1961 President, the George W. Bush Library Committee, the Prairie View A&M Foundation Board of Trustees, and countless others.
Lockett’s selflessness prompted him to lead a life of duty in every facet of his life until his passing in 2020. From his time at PVAMU to serving in the military, to fulfilling his call to his faith and church, Lockett led well and committed to the call to serve. Toward the end of the ceremony, John Osby, Acting Board Chair of the Prairie View A&M Foundation, asked the audience to live challenged by his example and “go and be like Benny.” Now Lt. Colonel Benny L. Lockett Auditorium is here to stay, inspiring everyone that walks through its doors and sealing Lockett’s great legacy as one of our most esteemed alums.
Photo credit Nicholas Hunt/Prairie View A&M University
Pascale Mondesir
Communications Specialist
pamondesir@pvamu.edu