Be the change you want to see…Students have heard this for some time now and we are diligently working to get ourselves together for the campus and our future, but I wonder if the administration has ever thought about becoming the change?
This viewpoint is not meant to call anyone out, but just to open some eyes. Since the spring general assembly, we have been challenged to be advocates of change. My only issue is, how can we change if administration hasn’t changed? This question leads to a series of other questions. Why isn’t administration personable? Why is it so hard to get anything out of them? Why do they give you the runaround? Why hasn’t administration taken it upon themselves to step their game up, and become advocates of change as well? A few SGA Town Hall meetings each semester doesn’t suffice.
Why do I have to be in SGA or a part of The Panther staff in order to know certain people and figures in administration? Why aren’t they visible? The administration is the inner workings to make sure the university keeps moving like a well-oiled machine. A university consists of a combination of students first and administration second. I’m pretty sure if we combined those forces Prairie View would be a serious force to be reckoned with, but it feels like an ongoing battle that is going nowhere.
Now there are some members of administration who make themselves present and available to the student body. For example, Dr. Miron Billingsley, VP of Student Affairs, does an excellent job in making himself available and ready to the students of the university. Why is it so hard for the rest of the administration to follow? We know you are professionals, and have work to do, but will it really hurt you to sacrifice the Pardus Cafe for an afternoon or two and have lunch with the student body in the MSC? We all know that staying in contact is important and we do appreciate all of you checking your e-mail and sending replies. But there’s just something about meeting someone in person that really makes the connection more tangible. It says so much without using too many words.
We have to be the change we want to see. Dr. Wright, we just want you to know what we students at the university face. So what does it take for you to be visible on campus? I think I can speak for the students when I say, “We want to see you on campus.” Since I’ve been here, I have never seen Dr. Wright walk or take a stroll through the campus making an effort to get to know the students of the university. Yes, you know the SGA president and VP, Mr. & Miss PVAMU, and The Panther staff, but what about the student who is down and out? The student who is considering leaving the university, or what about the student who will graduate from this university and never return because of a negative experience here?
Dr. Wright, you never know that one unexpected visit may change a life for the better, encourage a student to apply themselves, or maybe even put a smile on someone’s face. We may never know if you stay indoors or away from the university, but just making frequent appearances can do wonders. General assemblies, Town Hall meetings, and special programs at your house are nice, but we all must sacrifice and go the extra mile. If I can take 18 hours, be editor in chief of The Panther, and a community assistant for University College, I’m pretty sure you can find the time in your schedule to walk through the campus every so often and get to know the students who make up Prairie View. Without the students, there would be no Prairie View. I don’t know your schedule, and I’m pretty sure you are a very busy man who works hard, but I believe sacrifice leads to struggle, struggle leads to progress, and progress leads to change.
Now, I know the student body may not be perfect little angels, but we can work together for the greater good of Prairie View. It won’t hurt for the student body to try as well. Whether it’s being on time for class, having our pants on our waists, dressing appropriately for class, taking our dishes to the proper receptacles, etc; small things will add up.
I hope to see a change in the upcoming years if not by tomorrow, next week, or next month. The future of Prairie View is scary based on what I see now. You always want to have pride in your university. If the administration shows a true love for the school and the students, then student morale would be better. The trickle down effect will cause an increase in productivity, school spirit, and alumni support for PVAMU.
So administration, I’m challenging you to “Be the change you want to see.” Let’s make some sacrifices so that we all can be of one accord, lead by example so the rest can follow. We students will come through on our part, but administration needs to make that sacrifice and become more personable, become more available to students, become role models, and become the change.
–Richard White