Presidential Executive-In-Residence
Established in 2025, the Presidential Executive‑In‑Residence Program was envisioned to bridge classroom theories with lived expertise. The program’s aim is to usher renowned leaders—individuals who have “done the work, shaped the culture and transformed industries”—onto campus, creating rare, dynamic opportunities for students to engage in real‑world dialogue This innovative model is grounded in mentorship: interactive discussions, seminars, and one‑on‑one connections that illuminate career paths and ignite strategic thinking.
By weaving storytelling and practical wisdom into the academic fabric, the Presidential Executive-In-Residence Program cultivates a culture where ambition meets guidance, and where every student can access the wisdom of those who have shaped major industries. In doing so, the program reinforces the broader leadership philosophy of its creator, Dr. LeGrande– empower through models of excellence and sustain institutional change through engaged learning.
Google Cloud Executive Jim Anderson Named 2026-2027 Presidential Executive in Residence
Prairie View A&M University has named Jim Anderson, vice president of North American Ecosystem at Google Cloud, as its second Presidential Executive-in-Residence, bringing a nationally recognized technology executive to campus to engage students and faculty on artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics, leadership and the future of work.
Anderson’s residency will launch Sept. 23 with the Google HBCU Rise Summit, featuring a fireside chat with President Tomikia P. LeGrande, student workshops open to all PVAMU students and masterclasses for select courses. Students will also have opportunities to earn Google certifications in AI Fundamentals and/or AI Advanced.
Established in 2025, PVAMU’s Presidential Executive-in-Residence Program was created to connect classroom learning with the lived experiences of accomplished leaders who have shaped industries and organizations. Through mentorship, interactive discussions, seminars and one-on-one engagement, the program gives students opportunities to learn directly from professionals whose careers offer perspectives not typically found in a traditional classroom.
Anderson brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across some of the technology industry’s most influential companies, including Google, Cisco, Hewlett-Packard and Dell. His career has centered on helping organizations translate emerging technologies into business opportunities and scale their growth.
At Google, Anderson has been a key go-to-market leader during a period in which the company’s Cloud business grew from approximately $5 billion to more than $30 billion in five years. In his current role, he works with enterprises and partners on the use of AI, cloud and data analytics to accelerate innovation and create new sources of value.
Through his residency, Anderson will help students explore how technology is reshaping industries and what it takes to turn emerging ideas into scalable opportunities.
Anderson follows the program’s inaugural resident, Dr. Mathew Knowles, a music entrepreneur, educator and branding executive whose residency gave students the opportunity to engage with his decades of experience in the music and entertainment industries.
The addition of Anderson expands the program’s reach into technology while advancing its broader goal of connecting students with leaders across industries whose experiences can inform their academic, professional and entrepreneurial journeys.
By bringing accomplished leaders into the academic environment, the Presidential Executive-in-Residence Program provides students with opportunities to engage directly with people who have applied the concepts they study, gaining practical insight into leadership, innovation and creating impact.
Presidential Executives-In-Residence
2026-2027 2025-2026
Jim Anderson Dr. Matthew Knowles
Google Cloud Executive Inaugural Executive in Residence