Prairie View A&M University Names Dean of Education as New Acting President

Prairie View A&M has announced the name of an interim president who will lead the school until a new president takes office in June.

Dr. Michael McFraser will serve as acting president of College Station beginning March 1.

McFraser’s name is already well known on campus. He has worked at HBCU for 25 years and is currently Dean of the College of Education.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the university in this capacity,” MacFrazer said.

Ruth Simmons is stepping down as president of the university next week after six years in office.

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Simmons originally planned to resign on June 1, but moved her term end date to February 28, citing her power as president was limited.

In a previous statement for KPRC 2, Rector John Sharp of Texas A&M University said that outgoing presidents cannot hire senior staff except on a temporary basis.

Last week, it was announced that Simmons would join Rice University as a Presidential Distinguished Fellow.

“We want to work on a smooth transition to the new administration. We are very grateful to Dr. Simmons and indebted to her for the work she has done to move the university forward,” McFraser said. “My job will be to ensure that our new president’s transition runs smoothly.”

Dr. Tomikiya LeGrande will lead the university and become the ninth president of the university on June 1.