A VISION MADE REAL

Pvamu Earns Carnegie R2 High Research Activity Institution Status

Every three years, more than 3,900 colleges and universities are assessed by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education using the top framework for recognizing and describing institutions in the U.S. In February 2022, Carnegie Classification elevated Prairie View A&M University to the status of high research activity (R2) doctoral-granting institution.

“This designation is made possible because of the hard work of outstanding faculty and dedicated researchers,” PVAMU President Ruth Simmons said. “Their focus on advanced education and valuable research paved the way for PVAMU to achieve this distinction. Yet our work is still not done. We must remain focused on building the best environment for excellence in learning, teaching, scholarship and research.”

Achieving the high research activity designation by Carnegie Classification is a significant part of the vision and five-year strategic planning designed and championed by Vice President Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., MBA, since taking his position in the Division of Research & Innovation in 2019. Elevating PVAMU’s research and innovation enterprise has been Vice President Rajan’s vision and goal. The honor represents excellence in teaching, research and innovation in institutions of higher education nationwide. The second-highest ranking for universities with a commitment to research, this designation is now held by 133 universities nationwide.

“It is remarkable for PVAMU to go from an M1: Master’s Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs to an R2 within three years as compared to the five-year plan for achieving the R2 status,” said Vice President Rajan. “It feels astonishing to reach this historic milestone for PVAMU while leading during a long global pandemic and the disruptions it has caused to our lives and day-to-day operations. It affirms our standing as a high-quality institution of higher learning and embodies our commitment to excellence in research and innovations across eight colleges and schools, as well as the broader student experiences,” Vice President Rajan added.

“The Carnegie Classification acknowledges Prairie View A&M University as an asset. PVAMU is one of only 11 HBCUs to be granted R2 status nationwide and one of only four Texas A&M University System members in this category. R&I will continue to build upon the R2 momentum and continue its commitment to becoming an emerging research institution,” said Vice President Rajan.

Achieving The Vision

After restructuring the Division of Research & Innovation and relocating all the services into one building, Vice President Rajan launched the next phase of his R2 elevation plan.

High-research activity institution status encompasses an increased level of doctoral degree offerings, a higher standard of research expenditures and initiatives that cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across campus. After three years of data collection, seminars, workshops on grant funding and opportunities, and a steady increase in grant awards, PVAMU witnessed growth and impact annually not only in research dollars but also a targeted growth in the number of students earning their doctoral degrees and increasing their doctoral program offerings. Vice President Rajan has launched several initiatives for faculty, students and staff to elevate the university’s scholarly research, discoveries and innovations.

“PVAMU proposals and the amounts requested have doubled since 2018 from 150 proposals at $100 million to more than 300 proposals at $230 million, with a steady increase in funded awards from 58 to 85 awards per year. The total annual sponsored awards increased by several folds since 2018 from 14 million to more than $110 million. The total annual sponsored expenditures surpassed $100 million in the last three years.”

“PVAMU awarded 22 doctoral degrees in 2020. The university awarded 63 doctoral degrees in the past five years and amassed $105 million in research expenditures for the period,” said James Palmer, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“Since much research is still needed to meet the challenges and opportunity gaps of Texas learners, the R2 classification will elevate Prairie View A&M University’s status in recruiting additional scholars who desire to promote learning for all students. It also presents an opportunity for Prairie View to attract even more talented staff and graduate students,” said Tyrone Tanner, Dean of Graduate Studies.

These are the factors that accelerated PVAMU to accomplish its R2 goal in record time. The unified efforts are significantly thrusting us toward reaching the ranking sooner than planned. This ascension to greatness is a standard hallmark in the legacy and history of Prairie View A&M, the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the State of Texas. Today, more than 9,000 are enrolled, and PVAMU offers degrees in more than 50 programs.

Vice President Rajan highlights that, “The division of research and innovation continues to invest in PVAMU faculty and student research through numerous development initiatives, securing strategic partnerships with federal agencies, governmental bodies and corporate entities that delivers great returns for the entire university.”