Billingsley hopes to challenge students

Prairie View A&M University welcomed new Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Miron Billingsley to the campus this fall.

"Coming to PV was something totally new," said Billingsley. "It's a beautiful experience and the opportunities here are unbelievable."

Billingsley stressed his desire to work on student development and student leadership.

"I like the direction of [President Wright] and the way he's taking the institution. His vision is to make our students the best as possible."

One of Billingsley's goals this semester is to get students to realize the importance of a dress code. Do-rags and hats would no longer be allowed on in buildings, and sagging pants would also be banned. Prairie View has a lot of history and tradition in the university, and Billingsley believes we should treat it as such

"If we're going to accomplish this, it's going to have to be something everyone believes in," said Billingsley.

Also, he would like to initiate a lecture series tentatively named "Bless the Mic." Once a month, Prairie View would bring influential people to the campus to dialogue with the students. People as diverse as Maya Angelou, KRS-1 and Lupe Fiasco would be sought after.

"We want to challenge students to have civil intelligence, civil obedience and civil engagement. Student Affairs has the opportunity to educate students outside of the classroom. Our job is to take it to the next level," said Billingsley.

Billingsley came to PV by way of Texas Southern University and has taught at other institutions such as Langston University, Oklahoma University and Arkansas Baptist College.

At home, Billingsley has four children and an Essence Magazine recognized best selling novelist as his wife. He enjoys spending time with his family and playing college football on his PlayStation 3. Billingsley is also a member of the National Student Personnel Administration as well as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

"The passion the students have here makes you want to be a part of it, and I'm excited about being on the Hill."