Welcome to Pantherland

Full color image of a male student pointing upward with the text welcome to Pantherland behind him.

Prairie View A&M University has been changing lives for nearly 150 years. The transformation for many begins on the journey down University Drive, a road that leads to dreams one can visualize, believe in, and manifest.

Native Americans forged the trail that is now the main road. Land surveyors later turned the 1,400 acres of property into the Alta Vista Plantation. The enslaved men and women who worked the land and longed for freedom, an education, and a chance to earn a living wage had no idea they would realize this on these hallowed grounds.

The University was established as the Alta Vista Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth on August 14, 1876. Eight young African American men, known as the Unknown 8, began their studies nearly two years later. PVAMU went through several iterations, including Prairie View State Normal School, Prairie View State Normal & Industrial College, Prairie View University, Prairie View Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas and, finally, Prairie View A&M University in 1973.

Eight principals and eight presidents helped usher the University to great heights. Current president, Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande, continues the legacy of excellence that is 80,000 alumni, nearly 10,000 current students, and over 1,000 faculty and staff strong.

These Panthers share a tight-knit community.

So, what goes into being a PVAMU Panther? For starters, it's a culture and a way of life, starting with these five main points:

We point to "The Hill."

Because PVAMU is "The Hill." The University sits on the highest elevation point in Waller County. So, whether singing the alma mater at orientation, graduation, or any event, we point to "The Hill" to give honor to our PVAMU.

Prairie View Produces Productive People.

The University's motto was coined by Dr. Alvin I. Thomas, PVAMU's third president. PVAMU alumni hail from over 40 states and countries and are among the nation's top engineers, nurses, lawyers, doctors, educators, scientists, architects, chemists, musicians, actors, and every profession in between.

Hump Day is not just an ordinary Wednesday.

Hump Days are the Wednesdays of all Wednesdays. Every week at noon, the campus comes alive for one hour with music, dancing, and fun. It's the best way to take a break from "adulting."

The Marching Storm is top tier.

PVAMU's band is the very soul and spirit of the University. The internationally known group is also one of the largest organizations on campus.

PV...You Know!!

If someone says, "PV," we say, "You Know!!" Because we know PVAMU is the best HBCU in all of the land.

The spirit of PVAMU comprises those who carry the torch, as well as those who have left the University their legacy. Heritage and traditions are found in every facet of University life.

We must also mention our mascots, Sasha and Pete; not stepping on the grass out of respect for the ancestors; each class creating its own "PV Shuffle"; and Panthers having another familiar saying, "Who ya rootin' for?" We also have an entire purple and gold wardrobe. And lest not forget, Homecoming is a whole epic experience on its own.

On the academic side, PVAMU is an R2 research, 1890 land-grant institution specializing in teaching, research, and service. The University has eleven colleges and schools in three locations within the greater Houston area, with over 70 degree programs.

The main campus of PVAMU sits in Waller County. As the Texas Constitution declares, PVAMU is an "institution of the first class." From the historical buildings to the majestic trees, the meticulously maintained grounds are stunning.

If you have yet to step foot on campus, we've narrowed the long list of must-sees to five main locations:

Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch

A breathtaking landscape that makes up more than half of PVAMU's footprint. Experience over 770 acres of farmland dedicated to aiding the needs of academic, Extension, and research programs. The Farm includes a brand new Meat Lab, International Goat and Research Center, Greenhouse, Horticulture Research and Demonstration, Student-led Garden, and Poultry Center.

Willie A. Tempton, Sr. Memorial Student Center (MSC)

The quintessential heart of campus. The MSC houses Student Financial Services, the Registrar's Office, Student Engagement, Follett Bookstore, Retail Dining Services, Sodexo Dining Services, a convenience store, Student Center Operations, Student Government Offices, and a computer lab. Also located in the Memorial Student Center is a 980-seat auditorium (the Opal Johnson-Smith Auditorium), ballrooms, conference rooms, and the Student Lounge.

"The Hill"

What more can we say about this special place? If you would like to visit the official "Hill" where all Panthers point to, it is located in the middle of campus between the fountain and the John B. Coleman Library.

Historical Markers

As with many historic campuses, PVAMU is filled with historical markers. There are memorial signs for Alumni Hall, the University's former social gathering place; Prairie View Hospital, which served Waller County in the early 1900s; and the Wyatt Chapel Community Cemetery, where hundreds of unmarked graves on the edge of campus are believed to date to the antebellum period. Several buildings are still standing. They are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

William "Billy" J. Nicks Building (Baby Dome)

The 4,000-seat multi-purpose arena is home to the University's basketball and volleyball teams. For many Panthers, it is also where their PVAMU experiences culminate with commencement.