The Oral History of Dr. Thomas-Smith

Celia Hinkson, Michael Pittman, Kiana Thomas, Jimmie Duplessis,

Raheem Cardwell, Carl Blair

Communication 2513: Writing for the Discipline

November 29, 2012

Diversity on The Hill

•Dr. Thomas-Smith first arrived to Prairie View, Texas in 1968.

•Diversity amongst races and ethnicity was very low upon Dr. Thomas-Smith’s first arrival to Prairie View, Texas.

•There were not any problems amongst students of different ethnicities.

“We may be one of the most diverse faculty in the A&M system.” – Dr. Thomas-Smith

Education Prairie View A&M was

originally established for all the wrong reasons.

Prairie View A&M has had very limited resources, but over time the school has enhanced their quality of education.

Education has been of great value to the black community since blacks were first able to formally educate themselves.

The Community of Prairie View, TX

•Prairie View has developed as a community over the last 30 years.•The community interacted together more when the University first arrived. •Society’s view on Prairie View A & M University varied depended on individual knowledge.

Career Dr. Thomas-Smith

career choice changed just before she graduated college.

Dr. Thomas-Smith moved wherever the opportunity took her.

Dr. Thomas-Smith continued to work for Prairie View A&M for almost forty years.

Organizations When Dr. Thomas-Smith first arrived in Prairie View, Texas she saw that many people

believed in keeping the University and community connected.

The community and students of Prairie View felt that they could make a difference.

There has been a significant difference in the youth’s views on the advantages and disadvantages they have between Dr. Thomas-Smith’s first arrival till present day.

Athletics Athletics were a power

house at Prairie View A&M when Dr. Thomas-Smith first arrived.

Athletics at Prairie View A&M faced many challenges.

Sports have changed a great deal since Dr. Thomas-Smith’s first arrived.