The Office of Institutional Relations and Public Service held a reception Sept. 25 in honor of Tyra Metoyer, director of university relations. Alumni, staff and students gathered to show appreciation and recognize her accomplishments in public relations and marketing.
Responsible for media relations, publications, web site content and design, speeches and executive correspondence for the last three years, Metoyer has resigned from Prairie View A&M University to become director of communications for the Texas A&M University System.
“I feel like it was a great compliment that the chancellor invited me to represent Prairie View on a larger scale,” said Metoyer.
“I also feel that I’ve made a difference while here at Prairie View, and now I hope I can go on to make a difference at the Texas A&M System.”
Metoyer also stated, “It was a very difficult decision for me to make,” regarding the new position. “I am going to miss PV students the most.”
Metoyer acknowledged that the transition from a profession where she is surrounded by students and able to build relationships with them, to a position where there are no students at all, will also affect her on a personal level.
“There are no students like our students anywhere in the world. They are some of the most talented and promising people I have ever met. I feel blessed to have met so many of them in my time here,” Metoyer said.
Nicole Morris, a student who worked closely with Metoyer, stated, “Mentor is a word I could use to describe what Ms. Metoyer means to me. When I finish school I hope to pursue a career as a publicist like her and also venture into public relations.”
“Ms. Metoyer’s leaving will be very heart wrenching but at the same time I believe it’s time for her to start a new chapter in her life,” continued Morris.
Mayor Frank Jackson, who also works in the Office of Institutional Relations, spoke about Metoyer and her work ethic.
“Ms. Metoyer, from day one here at Prairie View A&M University, hit the ground running. She is a true professional, who not only is well versed in her discipline, but engaged each initiative with a sense of vision, mission and compassion,” said Jackson.
“Ms. Metoyer worked every echelon of the university and even went so far as to earn a masters degree in community development from Prairie View,” continued Jackson.
“She came to love and respect us as we came to love and respect her. The compassion permeated her work. We will sincerely miss Tyra Metoyer.”
In addition to memories, Metoyer had a few words of encouragement to leave behind.
“Students, you must strive for excellence and never let anyone get in the way of your dreams. Things may get hard, but those obstacles are just shaping you into the person you are going to become,” she said.