Prairie View A and M University - Pantherland Yearbook (Prairie View, TX)

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 O' Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youths Prairie View State Normal Institute Prairie View Normal and Industrial College Prairie View University Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical College Prairie View A M University of Texas The first name was established by the legislative act that created the school. It was used in 1878-79. With the onslaught of the training patterns of the New England “Normal” school, the second name welcomed students at the re-opening in late 1879. In 1889, after additions to Prairie View’s curriculum, the Twenty-Sixth Legislature changed to the third name. The fourth name was incurred in 1945 after many improvements in the school’s program. However, two years later, in 1947, the fifth name was created by the Fiftieth Legislature. Just in time for the Centennial celebration of Prairie View, the Sixth and present name was adopted. To Introduction 5

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Our Story Continues • • • L. W. Minor was selected ns the first principal of Prairie View by Thomas S. Gathright of Texas A M. On March 11. 1878, Professor Minor enrolled eight young men os the first Negro students to enter a state-supported college in Texas. However, the school was forced to close the next term due to lack of students and funds. E. H. Anderson, minister-teacher of Memphis and Fisk Univ., became the second principal when the school re-opened October 6,1879 with an initial 36 students. E H. Anderson was plagued by economic distress and conflicting laws, however, he saw Prairie View through the storms until his death on Oct. 28, 1885 at 35. L. C. Anderson became the third principal when his brother died. During his 10 years the Agriculture and Mechanical and girl's industrial departments were added, as well ns many other improvements. He was a leader in his profession and worked untiringly. He also founded the Colored Teachers Assoc, in Texas. E. L. Blackshoar was elected the fourth principal in 1895, and brought what he learned in public school work and from Booker T. Washington. Mr. Washington addressed the first commencement. During his 20 years the school expanded vastly and intercollegiate athletics was introduced. i. M. Terrell, the fifth principal, came from Fort Worth in 1915. During his three years physical improvements were made despite the world war. The first ROTC was introduced in 1918 and later the Cooperative Extension. J. G. Osborne became the sixth principal in 1918 after acting as such. A medical doctor, he strengthened the Natural Science offering and created the nursing Division. The campus was expanded further and the four-year senior college was begun. W. R. Banks became the seventh, and last principal in 1926, ending a 70-year era that shaped the Prairie View of today. Mr. Banks retired in August, 1947 as Principal Emeritus, after accomplishing major physical and educational improvements. He witnessed two name changes and increased the school's status and efficiency, making possible certain master's degrees. The eighth pictured here. Dr. E. B. Evans, was a principal but his title became President in 1948 and there have been three presidents since. J. M. Drew (1966), A. 1. Thomas (1966 - 1982), and Dr. Percy A. Pierre (1983 - ). The campus builds and the era of presidents goes on.

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'p'uwi Ocvi 'P'te tcCevit As the second oldest institution of higher education in Texas, Prairie View A M University has an important heritage, which you the students continue to enhance. From the original eight students on opening day in 1878 to the 4,501 students who enrolled in the fall of 1986, there has been much change. The curriculum has expanded steadily as the university offered courses as a “Normal School” (1879), an Agricultural Experiment Station (1887), and a Land Grant College (Morrill Acts, 1862 and 1890), and then in Nursing (1918). We became a four-year college (1919), and later offered graduate studies (1937). The first administrative head of the new university was L. W. Minor, whose title was Principal. Over the next 70 years there would be eight principals in all, though E. B. Evans’ title was changed from Principal to Dean (1947) and then to President (1948). There have been three presidents since Evans (J. M. Drew, A. I. Thomas, and myself). During these administrations, the university has continued to develop its academic programs and improve its facilities. After years of insufficient funding, PVAMU in the early 1980’s was faced with a physical plant requiring extensive renovation and repair and a curriculum that needed updating. President Pierre and Donald Hense. Vice-President for Development, greet the members of the Texas Legislature that visited Prairie View on February 18. 1987. The recent renaissance at PVAMU is due in part to a belated recognition of the university’s important mission. This recognition came in several forms: with the amendment to the Texas Constitution in 1984, designating PVAMU to be an “institution of the first class;” with the access to the Permanent University Fund; and with the affirmation of the A M Regents that PVAMU become, an institution nationally recognized in its areas of education and research. We have begun a major construction program, providing long overdue modern facilities while transforming the campus into one of the most beautiful in the country. We have completely revised the curriculum, strengthened admissions standards, and recruited top-flight students and faculty. 6 Introduction Dr. and Mr . Pierre, as well as several other administrators. attended one of the Panther basketball games. Dr. Percy A. Pierre speaks to the citizens of Prairie View from the steps of City Hall, while Mayor Ron Leverett (immediate left) listens intently.