Prairie View A&M University Inaugurates President Tomikia LeGrande

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Prairie View A&M University inaugurated Tomikia P. LeGrande as its ninth president Friday, ushering in a renewed promise to improve student success and research innovation at the historically Black university.

The occasion was a celebration of progress after a disruptive past several years for historically Black colleges and universities around the country, where 1 in 4 leaders have left their positions during a time of increasing public and political skepticism toward higher education. Administrators pointed to LeGrande as the right person to pick up the torch at the state’s second-oldest institution: The 44-year-old is known nationwide for her achievements in improving students’ college access, decreasing their debt and boosting their graduation and retention rates.

“My vision for Prairie View A&M University is eminence,” LeGrande said. “Prairie View will be a premier research-intensive public HBCU that serves as a national model for student success.”

Prairie View A&M most recently made major gains in research and fundraising under Simmons, its past president, even as enrollment fluctuated. The first Black president of an Ivy League institution, Simmons left retirement to lead Prairie View and quickly became known around campus as “Ruth the Truth” — a nod to her sharp wit and trailblazing status in higher education.

An historic celebration and unforgettable night of generosity at the Presidential Inauguration Scholarship Gala! Over $1 million raised to empower and support our future leaders. 🌟 With performances by Avery Sunshine and hosting by Loni Love and Eddie Robinson, alongside pic.twitter.com/ZEvCeeXNXw

— Prairie View A&M (@PVAMU) March 23, 2024

We had a time last night .. I was honored to host the Presidential Inauguration Scholarship Gala!!! Over $1 million was raised to empower and assist @pvamu students. Congratulations to our 9th PVAMU President LeGrande.. we are one!! #scholarshipgala #LegrandeEntrance #PVAMU #pv pic.twitter.com/ouQaTC3tGK

— Loni Love (@LoniLove) March 23, 2024