In 1984, Prairie View A&M University marked a historic moment with the establishment of its Faculty Senate, a monumental stride towards shared governance. This significant development had been approved by President Percy A. Pierre, Chancellor Arthur G. Hansen, and the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System, standing as a testament to our institution’s commitment to fostering collaboration and amplifying the voices of our faculty members.

With a legacy spanning 106 years, the creation of the Faculty Senate represented a pivotal milestone in the university’s history. It was a reflection of the collective efforts and unwavering dedication of our faculty, students, and administrators who had long championed the need for a platform to address academic and institutional matters.

The journey towards this historic achievement had been marked by diligent and tireless endeavors. A heartfelt acknowledgment was extended to the members of the Faculty Senate ad hoc Committee, whose dedication and perseverance had paved the way for the realization of this vision. Their collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence had laid the foundation for a forum that would serve as a cornerstone of our academic community for years to come.

Following the acceptance and ratification of the Constitution by the Faculty, the President, the Chancellor, and the Board of Regents, each college had designated electoral units and elected its representatives to the Faculty Senate. The elected faculty senators were as follows:

Dr. John Beasley
Mrs. Monica Allums
Dr. Larry L. Cole
Dr. K. Cudjoe
Dr. Lee E. Henderson
Mr. Sam Daruvalla
Mrs. H. Ollivette Higgs
Mr. Robert Ford
Dr. Ronald D. Humphery
Dr. Herschel Sheeley
Mrs. Elizabeth Martin
Dr. Alexander Brown
Mrs. Carol Means
Dr. Louis Aikens
Dr. Seab A. Smith
Mr. Charles Randle
Mr. Clarence Talley
Dr. Mary White
Dr. Evelyn Thornton
Dr. Delilah Diggs
Mr. C. Lee Turner
Mr. Bobby Kennard
Dr. Alfred Parks
Dr. Lloyd Boyden
Mr. Lindsay Weatherspoon
Mrs. Mary Lott
Mr. Murphy Crawford
Mrs. Jennifer Goodman
Dr. Marion Henry

The inaugural organizational meeting of the Faculty Senate, held on February 15, 1984, marked the commencement of a new era of shared governance and collaboration. Under the guidance of Dr. Thomas J. Cleaver, the meeting had seen the election of officers and committee members, signaling a commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and academic excellence.

As we look to the future, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the principles of shared governance and academic excellence. Together, we will continue to build upon this historic achievement, ensuring that the Faculty Senate serves as a beacon of collaboration, innovation, and excellence at Prairie View A&M University.