Prairie View A&M University professor emeritus Dr. Alfred N. Poindexter died Saturday, Aug. 19, at the age of 85 from natural causes. Memorial services were held for the beloved professor on Thursday, Aug.24, in the William J. Nicks building. Dr. Poindexter, or “Doc” as he was affectionaly called by his friends, colleagues, and students began teaching animal science and practicing veterinary medicine at Prairie View in 1945, when he was only 24 years old. He remained at Prairie View and educated thousands of students for more than 50 years until his retirement in 2004.
“He used humor to entertain, to instruct, and inform
thereby preparing students to face life’s challenges without fear or bewilderment,” said Provost E. Joahanne-Thomas-Smith.
Shortly after receiving his veterinary degree from Kansas State University, and accepting a faculty appointment at Prairie View, Poindexter began developing a reputation as an impeccable veterinarian. From near and far for him to treat.
He was deemed a healer, and became known as the vet who could heal animals when all others had failed. Due to his superb reputation as a vet, Poindexter along with former Prairie View A&M University President Dr. E.B. Evans were inducted into the Texas Veterinary Association. They were the first two African Americans to gain membership into the exclusive state veterinary association.
Over the years Poindexter received numerous awards, honors, and recognition for his veterinary skills and accomplishments as
an educator. In 1992, the Texas A&M University Board of Regents
approved the naming of the veterinary hospital as the Alfred N. Poindexter Veterinary Hospital, in honor of the distinguished
professor.
In 1995, he received the living legend award from the
Black Go Texan Committee for his many years of service to his
community.
Poindexter was also selected as one of he four most
outstanding black agriculturists in Texas, and shortly after he was inducted into the Texas Heritage Hall of Honor.
Poindexter was selected to be the recipient of Tuskegee University’s 1996 George
Washington Carver Award for public service.
In 2005, he was selected to receive the Alumni Recognition Award from Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
In addition to his teaching career spanning nearly 60 yearrs, Poindexter was very active in the community. He co-founded the Prairie View Trail riders, and played a major part in the Houston Live Stock show.
He was scoutmaster of Prairie View Troop 141, and received a medal for outstanding service by the National Council of the Boy
Scouts of America.
Poindexter was a charter member of the Epsilon Tau Lambda chapter Of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Poindexter’s life was full of numerous achievements, honors, and awards. Those who knew him well, testify that he considered his greatest achievement as being able to educate all five of his children. Poindexter was a devoted family man who worked hard to achieve his dreams and he stressed the importance of education to his children.
“Dr. Poindexter to me was ahead of his time. Even
though he came up in an era of racism and hardship he was
able to break that barrier. He was a pillar in the community
and people loved and respected him. He will be missed,” said
Frederick Roberts, career services coordinator.
Poindexter is survived by his wife of 65 years Rachel, and their five children Alfred, Betti, Bruce, Paula, and Yvette, and numerous grandchildren.