PVAMU celebrates founders, more than 5,000 students with academic honors

Courtesy of Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University will celebrate its founding while honoring 5,560 students for their academic efforts at the 2024 Founders’ Day and Honors Recognition Convocation. The Whitlowe R. Green College of Education will host this year’s Convocation on Wednesday, March 20, at 10 a.m. in the William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Building (Baby Dome).

The founders of Prairie View – The Honorable Matthew Gaines and The Honorable William H. Holland, were Reconstruction Era legislators. Their initiatives led to the establishment of the Alta Vista Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth on August 14, 1876, now Prairie View A&M University. Nearly two years later, on March 11, 1878, eight young African American men, known as the Unknown Eight, and the first of their race to enroll in a state-supported college in Texas, began their studies.

“As we pause to celebrate and remember the established legacy of the founders of our great University and congratulate each of you on your achievements in the classroom, we must not forget the Unknown Eight, who exemplified courage under fire to chart a new path for all of us to follow. With their brave actions, our today is possible, and we can receive an education that promotes change agents,” said Dr. Michael L. McFrazier, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

PVAMU is proud to recognize so many students who are putting their hearts and souls into their education, both inside and outside the classroom.

The Honors Convocation identifies students with the distinction of Honor Roll based on enrollment in a minimum 12 semester hour course load, maintaining a 3.50 grade point average or greater, and earning no grade lower than a “C.” The Dean’s Honors recognizes students who have earned a minimum of 12 semester hours with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.49.

For the more than 5,000 students being recognized for their achievements in 2023, this event reinforces the University’s new tagline “Excellence Lives Here.”

“As the University takes this moment to recognize your achievements, we must realize that you are fulfilling the overall mission and purpose of Prairie View A&M,” McFrazier said in a letter to students ahead of the event. “Your pursuit of excellence is continuing to write a profound history in the archives of our journey to impact society. Years from now, when the record books are open, your notable contributions in the classroom will be recognized as the keys to the success of our University, leading to a pioneering, brighter future.”

One of the students who will celebrate how far she has come in her academic pursuits and will be recognized for her hard work and dedication is senior Jaryn Johnson, an education major pursuing certification in core subjects for early childhood through sixth grade.

A native of Dallas, Texas, and a Duncanville High School Collegiate Academy graduate, Johnson was named to the Dean’s Honors list twice, an accomplishment she said reminds her that she is “capable, efficient, and well-versed.”

“Like most, my college journey hasn’t always been easy,” Johnson said. “I have had my share of restless nights, doubts, and insecurities, but once I discovered the capacity of my abilities, I was able to gain a new sense of belonging and identity.”

For Johnson, her educational journey is as much about looking back at those she is honoring with her success – her family, who has stood behind her as a first-generation college student – as it is looking forward to the next generation she hopes to inspire.

“I know that academic success is one of the tools to building generational knowledge and wealth, something I have always been big on,” Johnson said. “I hope that one day my children and grandchildren will be able to look back on my dedication and hard work, knowing that they can do the same.”

Johnson hopes not only to become a teacher but also to eventually move into administration. She hopes her leadership in the classroom will be a tool she can use to encourage other teachers when she becomes an administrator someday.

“I hope to be one of the most impactful educators one day,” Johnson said. “Then, one day, I hope to become a stellar administrator. I have always loved school and maintained super close relationships with my teachers and administrators. Throughout the course of my career, I want to provide my students with an innovative classroom, leadership and mentorship, and professional development.”

For now, Johnson is fully in the present, taking in the pride and sense of accomplishment from her hard work. During Wednesday’s Convocation, she will be sitting among her peers and those who are also being honored, knowing they are setting the standard of excellence for PVAMU students and ready to continue to work hard to uphold that standard and reach new heights in education.

It wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Whitlowe R. Green College of Education, she added with gratitude. She noted that she is honored to be recognized and given credit for her discipline, perseverance, and critical thinking skills – all things that are a foundation that sets her up for success in the classroom, not just as a student now but also as a teacher someday.

“I am always appreciative of the opportunities they provide. Academic honors like these will allow me to prepare for future opportunities by providing me with resources to succeed in my career,” Johnson said. “The networking opportunities and professional growth as I enter my field are invaluable. I hope that I have had an impact on my HBCU, THE Prairie View A&M University!”