During the past three years we have seen Prairie View undergo changes. From the tearing down and construction of Alumni Hall to the limitation of student parking. We have also seen student enrollment and financial aid undergo some changes.Now that we are in 2005, we hope that this year brings a new beginning for Prairie View.
Student parking has become a concern for commuting students and visitors alike.
Fred Washington, vice president of finance and Administration, said “Students are to park in their designated parking area during the hours of 7 am to 7 pm, and can park on any open lot during the other hours on the weekend, unless there is a scheduled event.”
“And for commuters they can park in any of the open lots 24 hours a day seven days a week,” said Washington. There are plans to add more parking space at the MSC. Washington stated, “Nothing has changed with the parking at MSC. It is for commuters and visitors which allow parking at its scheduled time. There are two parking lots currently under construction in the area of the MSC, we also have one additional faculty and staff parking lot, and the other is a commuter and visitor lot that is across from the Athletics Complex.”
Many students do not deal with the office of admissions as much as the Financial Aid office, compared to financial aid, but Admission unlike financial aid is expanding as well.
Dr. George Wright, president of Prairie View A&M University, is making changes to increase admissions at Prairie View. “I want to do a better job of advertising and recruiting, I also want to physically go to the high schools, community colleges and college fairs in and out of Texas to recruit students to come to Prairie View. We want our students to be successful and do not want to close the door to any who wants to come,” Wright said.
Wright also wants to have more scholarships available to students too.
Wright has bigger plans for Prairie View’s future. “This year I am committed to reach a goal of $30 million for the capital campaign to raise money for scholarships, professorships, rebuilding historical buildings (Alumni), school programs, and athletics,” Wright added.
Another plan is to establish an African American studies program and a honors program here at the university.
Financial Aid is the biggest concern of students on and off campus. The president is aware of the students concerns and said “I am making changes in and how we process the financial aid packaging; I am diligently working with others to make financial aid better organized, in how we deal with the students, and by next fall the situation should be worked out.”
To all of the students Dr Wright said, “look at the goal and do not let a problem defer you from your goal, work hard and do not quit.