Learning about our History

Prairie View A&M University has rich history dating back to 1876. This Historically Black college and University has produced productive people for over 140 years and continues to mold young leaders of tomorrow.

Prairie View A&M University was founded on August 14, 1876, as the second oldest public institution of higher learning in the state. PVAMU was the first college for African American individuals and was originally named “Alta Vista Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas for Colored Youth”. The lands of Alta Vista Plantation were purchased by the Board of directors. Mr. L.W. Minor was appointed principal and welcomed eight African American men as they began their education on March 11, 1878.

Numerous names were given to PVAMU including “Prairie View State Normal School”, “Prairie View State Normal & Industrial College”, “Prairie View Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas” and in 1973 the Sixty-third Legislature changed the name to “Prairie View A&M University”. The campus is approximately 1,440-acres located in Prairie View, TX – about 50 miles Northwest of Houston.

PVAMU produced numerous of musicians, athletes, and productive professionals. These include

• Charles Brown – Musician

• Nathelyne Archie Kennedy – Engineering

• Ken Houston – Football

• Mark Hanna Watkins – Linguist

• Emmanuel Cleaver – Politician

• Craig Washington – Politician