A simple but important question: Why did you come to Prairie View?

Since coming to Prairie View A&M University, students have frequently asked one question: “Why do you teach at PVAMU?” I often wonder what prompts this query. Are students simply engaging in polite conversation, or do they find it odd that a white professor teaches at an HBCU? I believe the question has been posed for both of the aforementioned reasons at different times. I look forward to students asking me this question because it gives me an opportunity to tell them more about myself and our wonderful university. My standard response to the student’s inquiry is a probing question: “Why not teach at PVAMU?” It is an honor to teach at the second oldest institution of higher learning in Texas and a premier HBCU. I often wonder how students would respond to this simple question, especially those not living up to their academic potential. When students arrive late (or leave early), talk to the person seated next to them during lecture, or answer cell phones in class, I want to ask them: “Why did you come to Prairie View?” I believe that most would find this question difficult. Time and again, I have seen talented individuals allow improper classroom behavior to doom them to a semester of poor grades which in some cases leads to a loss of academic scholarships and other form of financial aid. Many of the students who lose their financial assistance are forced to drop out of college, failing to stay in school long enough to arrive at answer to my question. Thus, I encourage PVAMU students to carefully contemplate: Why did you come to PVAMU? Even if you are presently unable to answer this question, you should make every effort to fulfill the university’s core requirements, attend classes, and exhibit behaviors in the classroom that will aid your own academic success and will create a positive learning environment for those around you. By following this proposed plan, you will be able to stay at PVAMU long enough to arrive at an answer to this simple but important question.