CELEBRATING PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

On 2026-08-03, Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-5) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY" in the House.

CELEBRATING PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E758] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER of missouri in the house of representatives Monday, August 3, 2026 Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Prairie View A&M University as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. Since its founding, this university has served countless individuals, bringing its historic legacy, academic excellence and enduring service to the nation. Prairie View A&M University's rich history begins in 1876 when the Texas Constitution created an agricultural and mechanical college that would then turn into Texas's oldest public HBCU. In spring 1878, the university would welcome its first eight students. Originally designed to be a teaching college, the university expanded its curriculum to include agriculture, nursing, arts, sciences, and mechanical arts by 1887. Furthermore, as the university continued to grow and succeed, it became a land-grant institution by 1890, offered baccalaureate degrees in 1919, and finally added graduate studies in various academic fields by 1937, as a testimony to its achievements. The university's longstanding history of supporting the higher education of Black students has played a transformative role in fostering academic excellence, civic engagement, and postgraduate employment for historically underrepresented communities. This institution has time and time again demonstrated its commitment to teaching and service, strengthening communities and improving lives throughout the state of Texas and beyond. With President Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande leading the university forward with its ``Journey to Eminence'' plan, the university plans to further establish itself as a premier HBCU and blueprint for other universities across the country. As a Carnegie-classified high-research (R2) university, it has further cemented itself as a distinguished research institute and is home to the National Center for Infrastructure Technology and the Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center. As a member of the NCAA Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference, students can compete in a high-sports level environment which in turn, can enable future athletic careers. With more than 170 student-led organizations, students have a wide range of interests and topics to engage with in addition to the academic opportunities available. Since its inception, this university has not only developed a reputable history in the state of Texas but in the country as a whole. With generations upon generations of educated graduates, Prairie View A&M University has helped bring educators, engineers, military leaders, elected officials, scientists and public servants at all levels of government into the world. Notably, this institution leads in graduating Black students with degrees in architecture and engineering and is highly ranked for increasing the number of Black nursing graduates in Texas through its clinical training. The access to quality education is key to a thriving community and this institution delivers this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Prairie View A&M University's 150th anniversary. This is an accomplishment deserving of recognition in our Nation's Capital, and I am honored to extend my congratulations as the university celebrates this milestone. I anticipate many more monumental anniversaries, for I know this university will continue to be a fountain of knowledge and joy for our community, continuing its outstanding contributions to higher education for generations to come. ____________________