Richard Wilkins, Ph.D.
Dear PVAMU Family,
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dr. Richard Wilkins, an esteemed faculty member of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and Associate Dean of Research for the College of Engineering. Dr. Wilkins dedicated 33 years of service to the College of Engineering at Prairie View A&M University, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
His contributions include serving as Director of the NASA Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration (CRESSE) and Director of the Center for Applied Radiation Research (CARR). During his time at Prairie View A&M University, he won numerous awards, including the Researcher of the Year, Excellence in Teaching, NASA Faculty Award for Research, and the Dean’s Award for Research Associate.
He has several patents and has published over 90 papers and conference proceedings. His scholarly work has left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Dr. Wilkins’s passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the students have touched the lives of countless individuals, and his absence will be deeply felt.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Wilkins will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for his students, particularly graduate students, whose lives he profoundly touched. His presence brought warmth, wisdom, and a sense of unity to our university community, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dr. Wilkins is survived by his beloved wife, Jonelle Wilkins, daughter Rachel Wilkins, son Ben Wilkins, sister Ronda Wilkins, and mother, Janet Wilkins. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
For those who wish to pay their respects, a public viewing is this Friday, March 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at:
Hillier of College Station
4080 State Highway 6 South
College Station, Texas 77845
979-985-2060
Dr. Wilkins’s Celebration of Life will be on Saturday at 11 a.m. with lunch to be following after the service:
Church of the Nazarene
2122 E William J Bryan Pkwy
Bryan, Texas 77802
979-776-2735
In honor of Dr. Wilkins’s enduring legacy and commitment to students, we are establishing the Richard Wilkins Scholarship Fund to perpetuate his vision and impact for future generations. This fund will support student scholarships.
We believe that Dr. Wilkins’s dedication to serving students aligns closely with the values and mission of the University. Therefore, we kindly invite you to consider contributing to the Richard Wilkins Scholarship Fund. Your support will not only honor Dr. Wilkins’s memory but also empower students.
If you would like more information about the scholarship fund or have any questions, please contact the College of Engineering at 936-261-9900.
Pamela Holland Obiomon, Ph.D. | Dean of the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering | Prairie View A&M University