At the request of the office of Student Affairs, students are being asked to fill out surveys or bring their ideas about activities they would like to see at Prairie View to the Department of Student Activities and Leadership. According to Dr. Doris Price, associate vice president for student affairs, students need a variety of programs to complement their in-class activities.
“We [Student Affairs] are in the process of identifying a variety of programs and activities that range from high profile speakers, acclaimed dance troupes, and Broadway productions,” said Price.
In the past year, the department of Student Activities has brought world-renowned poet Nikki Giovanni and reality television judge, Greg Mathis to lecture, and students were able to participate in a Mega Dance Video, choreographed by dancer Gino Johnson.
In the coming months, programs will be held to celebrate Black History Month, starting Feb. 3 with “A Evening with Dr. Cornel West.”
Furthermore, Back to Basics programs have been implemented to help students prepare for the corporate workforce.
Back to Basic activities include a fashion show and the Professional Dress Day every Tuesday.
Some students have noticed the change in activities that have been brought to campus.
“Even though I’m a sophomore, I think that activities here on PV’s campus are great. The Department of Student Activities is doing a great job of bringing diverse programs,” said Lori Mason, a marketing major. “It’s not all about hip-hop. There are other important things in life.”
Others think that although the new programs offered are a breath of fresh air, they’re still not appealing to the masses.
“The different programs that are being brought to Prairie View, that are geared towards the intellectual mind will play a substantial role in the direction of the university. Though these types of programs are low in demand among the student population, it is imperative that we continue to have them for the betterment of the university’s future,” said Aaron Tatum, a senior biology major.
Price has stated that she is pleased with the progress that is being made in the area of Student Activities and Leadership. ” The employees are working very hard and the atmosphere has changed significantly,” she said. ” All the staff members are working hard to take this division to another level.”
In the future, the division of Student Affairs will be bringing the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe, The African Soweto Gospel Choir, and the award winning group, Sweet Honey In The Rock.
To give your ideas about programs you would like to see at Prairie View, send your comments to Isis McCraw, Division of Student Affairs, in Evans Hall, the third floor.