By Kamira LaNay
Correspondent
Texas Metro News
Prairie View A&M University’s 150th anniversary was celebrated Tuesday as the Dallas County Commissioners Court honored the university for its contributions to education, leadership, research and service.
Prairie View’s story began in 1876 and has continued to shape generations of students and communities across Texas.
Commissioner John Wiley Price of District 3 read the proclamation, recognizing the vision of the Reconstruction Era by African American legislators William H. Holland and Matthew Gaines, whose advocacy helped make the institution possible. On March 11, 1878, eight young African American men began their studies at the institution, becoming the first African Americans to enroll in a state-supported college in Texas.
Over the years, Prairie View expanded its academic programs and became an 1890 land-grant institution, developing a lasting mission centered on teaching, research and extension services. Today, it is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in Texas.
The university’s influence can also be seen throughout Dallas County. The proclamation recognized alumni including Judge Louis A. Bedford Jr., the county’s first African American judge; pioneering Dallas educator Dr. Yvonne A. Ewell; and Craig Watkins, the first African American district attorney of Dallas County.
For Kimberly Ramos, a 1993 graduate and second-generation Prairie View alumna, the celebration is personal. Ramos has served as president of the National Alumni Association and Dallas Alumni Chapter and chaired the university’s annual scholarship gala and silent auction for 22 years.
“Prairie View worked for me and I will always work for Prairie View,” Ramos said. Ramos said the university represents 150 years of education, career advancement and opportunity, calling Prairie View a legacy of “greatness” and “exceptional instruction.”
As Prairie View celebrates its sesquicentennial, “Rooted in Resilience. Rising in Eminence,” the celebration honors where the university has been while looking ahead to the generations still to come.
Kamira LaNay is a 2026 Journalism and Communications graduate of Morgan State University. She will spend the next year as a Texas Metro News Fellow.
