$4 Million Gift Bolsters President’s Strategic Initiatives
Sep 01, 2021

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (July 2, 2021) – A $4 million gift from The Brown Foundation, Inc. to Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) will support President Ruth J. Simmons’ Strategic Initiatives, including the work of the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice.


“The Foundation holds a steadfast belief in forging pathways to opportunity through education, and we are pleased to help support Prairie View A&M University as it continues to strive toward new levels of excellence in education,” said Ann Ziker, Executive Director of The Brown Foundation, Inc.


Half of the gift will be earmarked for presidential initiatives that improve the opportunities and education available to students, and $1 million will be designated for the recruitment of outstanding new faculty.

“We’re immensely grateful to The Brown Foundation for its contribution to our institution,” said President Simmons. “This gift will have an enormous impact on the students at Prairie View, and by extension, the communities our work touches every day.”


The remaining $1 million of the grant will support the work of the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice. “This generous gift from the Foundation will enable the Center to continue its work producing innovative research, hosting scholars and, implementing programs that, in accordance with its mission, aid in racial understanding, help frame national discussions about race, and lead to policies that can eliminate persistent inequities in society,” said Center Director Melanye Price.



-PVAMU-


For more information about Prairie View A&M Foundation, go to pvamf.org. The Prairie View A&M Foundation is a public non-profit organization dedicated to securing and stewarding gifts and grants that benefit Prairie View A&M University.

By Jon Dodson 23 Apr, 2024
April 23, 2024 (Prairie View, TX) – The Prairie View A&M Foundation (PVAMF) proudly unveils the appointment of five distinguished individuals to pivotal officer roles within the PVAMF Board of Trustees: • Board Chair: Dr. Donetta P. Goodall ’67 • Vice Chair : Jiles P. Daniels, Jr. ’80 • Vice Chair of Strategy: Willie A. Tempton, Jr. ’80 • Treasurer: Barbara Tompkins-Brown ’80 • Secretary: Ron W. Haggerty ’81 Dr. Donetta P. Goodall , formerly Vice Chair of Strategy, now leads as Chair of the Board. A 1967 nursing graduate of the university, she’s a seasoned leader in education and business, with international experience in workforce development and as a healthcare consultant. Her dedication to service exemplifies the values of PVAMU alumni worldwide. Dr. Goodall, affectionately known as "Dr. G," has been a trustee since 2017, contributing tirelessly to various projects and committees, including the coordination of significant events like the university's recent Presidential Inauguration. Jiles P. Daniels, Jr. , recently elected Vice-Chair of the Board, brings a wealth of experience from his diverse career. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, he considers Prairie View his hometown, where he attended primary and secondary school. Graduating summa cum laude from Prairie View A&M University in 1980 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he continued his professional journey at ExxonMobil, holding various management roles globally for over 35 years until his retirement in 2015. Alongside his corporate career, Jiles managed two private companies, including a real estate construction firm and a temporary employee placement agency in Houston. Post-retirement, he dedicates his time to volunteering, notably with CASA, advocating for children in the child welfare system. PVAMU holds a special place in Jiles's heart, as it's not only his alma mater but also a family tradition, with his parents, siblings, and children all graduating from there. Willie A. Tempton, Jr. , newly appointed Foundation Board Vice Chair of Strategy, boasts a rich career in the energy industry. Graduating from PVAMU in 1980 with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he began at Exxon Company USA before transitioning to independent consultancy, offering leadership and operations expertise to energy clients. With over 35 years of experience, Willie held various roles, including General Manager of Phillips 66’s Sweeny Complex and Vice President of Complex Cogeneration Joint Venture. His career spans technical, operational, and leadership positions in refining and petrochemicals. Willie's diverse interests include boating, fishing, jogging, basketball, and flying, with a passion for Star Trek and a lifelong dream of commanding a Starship. Barbara Tompkins-Brown , PVAMU alumna, holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. She serves as the Foundation’s Finance and Audit Committee Chair and is now the Board’s Treasurer. Barbara's 40-year corporate career included roles at Atlantic Richfield Company, E. I. Dupont, Shell Oil Company, and Corrosion Prevention Technologies/Corrosion Innovations. She worked in various capacities spanning maintenance engineering, management, and project leadership. Currently, Barbara works part-time as a consultant, leveraging her extensive expertise. Ron W. Haggerty , PVAM Foundation Board Secretary and attorney at the Ronald Haggerty Law Firm in Sugar Land, Texas, boasts a diverse background. As a mechanical engineer and registered patent attorney, he specializes in energy projects and intellectual property. Ron has served as general counsel for Fortune 100 energy companies and a major construction firm. His law firm represents clients in engineering, procurement & construction contracts, and patent/trademark filings. A PVAMU and South Texas College of Law alum, Ron is deeply involved in alumni associations and community organizations, including the STCL Alumni Association and the Minority Intellectual Property Lawyers Association of Houston. He is also active in his church and fraternity. Collectively, these leaders embody the spirit of PVAMU's commitment to excellence and service. (To learn more about each Trustee click here ) “We are delighted to announce the addition of these esteemed leaders to our Board of Trustees in their new officer roles. Their wealth of expertise enriches the Prairie View A&M Foundation and exemplifies leadership," stated Megan Reed, Executive Director of the Prairie View A&M Foundation. "Dr. Donetta Goodall, Jiles Daniels, Willie Tempton, Barbara Tompkins-Brown, and Ron Haggerty, alongside our dedicated Trustees and University, symbolize a bright future for our students, foundation, and university. Their dedication mirrors the unwavering spirit of our alumni and supporters.”
By Jon Dodson 30 Jan, 2023
PVAMU Honors Revered Alumnus with Auditorium Naming Ceremony
21 Feb, 2022
TOURNAMENT NOVEMBER 15TH  YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE … MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 15 FOR THE 2022 PRAIRIE VIEW A&M FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT TO SUPPORT PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY! The Prairie View A&M Foundation invites you to join us Nov. 15, 2022 at the Golf Club of Houston to support Prairie View A&M University and the PVAMU Marching Storm Band. We hope you will consider being a sponsor and/or getting your golf clubs out to support such a great cause. You can register online at www.pvamf.org/golf. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jon Dodson at jon.dodson@pvamf.org or (281) 249-5394.
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