A presidential Inauguration is a chance for the University and surrounding community to come together to celebrate the next steps in the life of an academic institution and build momentum for the University’s future success. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, community stakeholders and supporters are all welcome to attend. This event is a defining moment to celebrate the University's new leader, its heritage and the uniqueness of its mission while honoring the traditions of the academy and the University’s commitment to learning, research and service. The Inauguration also affirms the importance and significance of PVAMU to its alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community – engaging all of these constituencies in meaningful ways in order to renew and strengthen ties, unify the past with the present, and chart a path forward to the future.

The university will host a week of events beginning Tuesday, March 19 – Saturday, March 23, 2024, to mark the Inauguration of Dr. LeGrande. These events will include activities for student, faculty/staff, alumni, and the community to engage with Dr. LeGrande and celebrate this milestone in the University’s history. Signature events for the week will include the Presidential Investiture Ceremony on Friday, March 22, 2024 and a scholarship gala to be held later that evening. More details about the week of events will be released in early 2024.

Inaugurations are typically scheduled several months after the new president assumes office. This allows the new president to focus on important university initiatives, to build connections within the community, for ceremonial preparations to be me made, to take consideration of standing events on the university calendar, and for invited guests to make the proper travel arrangements to attend.

Students, alumni, employees, supporters and friends are invited to attend the Investiture ceremony. While the Investiture ceremony on March 22, 2024 is free and open to the public, other events — such as the Inauguration Scholarship Gala — will require a purchased ticket. Please continue to check the website for a complete list of events and relevant information about each.

Inauguration refers to the entire week of events celebrating the new president and this milestone in the university’s history. The events include a formal academic ceremony known as an Investiture ceremony. The formal Installation will take place during the Investiture Ceremony when President LeGrande is presented with the Presidential Medallion by the Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.

The Investiture Ceremony will be held Friday, March 22, 2024 in the William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Building (Baby Dome) with the processional beginning at 9:30 a.m. The ceremony will commence at 10:00 a.m. and include remarks from Dr. LeGrande, her special guests, visiting dignitaries, as well as special performances that underscore the president’s vision and theme. The Investiture will also include ceremonial elements like a procession of delegates from other universities. Delegates are usually the presidents of other universities or other high-ranking administrators. Additional information for delegates can be found here: UPDATES COMING SOON

All students, alumni, employees, supporters and friends are welcome to attend Inauguration events. Some events throughout the week will be ticketed. Please continue checking the website for a full list of events and ticketing information. Special guests, university and organizational delegates, and program participants will be notified in advance regarding reserved seating, and if appropriate, required event attire such as academic regalia.

Information that is specific to delegates who will be representing their universities, will be available on this site under a designated “Delegates” tab. Please continue to check back frequently for updates.

Logistical information, included recommended hotels will be placed on this site. Please continue to check frequently for updated information.

A steering committee has been appointed, composed of administrators, staff, faculty, students, alumni, and community representatives. Each of these constituencies will have an active role in planning activities for the celebration. What if I have additional questions? Please continue to check the inauguration website for updates. If you have a specific question that is not answered on the website, please email: inauguration@pvamu.edu