In Photos: Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande’s Inauguration as PVAMU’s Ninth President
Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande was celebrated as Prairie View A&M University’s ninth president during a series of events beginning March 19, 2024. Hundreds descended upon “The Hill” to partake in this significant era in the University’s history.
What was already a historic occasion marking Dr. LeGrande’s formal installation as only the second woman in a lineage of brave leaders to hold the title of PVAMU President led to another stroke of history.
PVAMU became the 33rd recipient of the Toni Morrison Society’s worldwide project, A Bench by the Road. The PVAMU Toni Morrison Writing Program obtained the monument by submitting an application that highlighted the historical importance of Matthew Gaines and William H. Holland, two nineteenth-century Texas State legislators who were instrumental in the establishment of Prairie View A&M University.
“The Toni Morrison Bench marks our significant and impactful history while also shining a bright light on the transformative power of this place: Prairie View A&M University.” -President LeGrande
Hundreds of years of service, collectively, were celebrated for over 400 PVAMU retirees during the Retiree Luncheon.
“As retirees from PVAMU, your talents played a vital role in the growth, success and prosperity of this University. Excellence lives at PVAMU due to the seeds you planted during your time here.” - President LeGrande
“Be you, be joyful, and be great” were the guiding words to students from Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, superintendent of Aldine ISD and speaker for PVAMU’s 2024 Founders’ Day and Honors Recognition Convocation.
Along with paying tribute to PVAMU’s founders, 5,560 students were recognized for their academic success during the event.
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The “GRANDE” Hump Day was a Hump Day like no other.
Students showcased their talents and showed their love to Dr. LeGrande during this extraordinary edition of the famed weekly PVAMU tradition.
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“Leadership is not about a position. Its essence lies in building trust and ambition with both individuals and teams, who are compelled and supported to achieve what may have previously seemed unimaginable.”
- President LeGrande
Headlining the inaugural President’s Lecture Series were (left to right) Dr. Quinton T. Ross, President of Alabama State University; Dr. LeGrande; Dr. Daria J. Willis, President of Howard Community College; and Dr. Ronald S. Rochon, President of University of Southern Indiana. The group presented the very first Conversation on The Hill on a timely topic, “The Black College President Experience and Future Pipeline.”
State and local officials, delegates from prominent universities nationwide, and Prairie View A&M faculty, staff, students and alumni witnessed the formal inauguration of Dr. LeGrande as PVAMU’s ninth president on Friday, March 22.
Over $600,000 was raised to empower and support future leaders during an unforgettable night of generosity at the Presidential Inauguration Scholarship Gala. With performances by Avery Sunshine and hosting by Loni Love and Eddie Robinson, alongside Terry Ellis, it was a night of inspiration and promise.
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Saturday’s Students, Staff, Faculty, Alumni & Community Day was the perfect culmination of the week.
“Excellence lives at Prairie View A&M University. It always has. It always will.”
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Photo courtesy: Nicholas Hunt, TJ Davis, Jordan Guidry, Brian Scott, Twice Media Productions, and Superior Video Productions
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