Edward Bertran Evans (1992) - Hall of Fame - Southwestern Athletic Conference

Hall of Fame

Key facts / timeline

Evans became the eighth Principal of Prairie View on September 1, 1947.
The same year (1947) the Texas Legislature — the 50th — changed the institution’s name to Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.
On December 3, 1948, Dr. E. B. Evans was inaugurated as the first President of the institution under that new structure (it having transitioned from “Principal” to “President”).
During his administration, significant construction and expansion occurred: e.g., the “E.B. Evans Animal Industries Building” was completed in 1951.
He served until his retirement as President Emeritus in 1966.
A biographical note states: “Dr Edward Bertram ‘Eddie’ Evans Sr. (1894-1976)”.

Contributions & significance

Under his leadership, the institution’s name change and status were shifted: from a normal/industrial college to a full land-grant type school offering agriculture, mechanical arts, engineering, natural sciences “equivalent to those offered at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.”
He oversaw development of campus infrastructure and facilities: dormitories, animal industries building, science buildings, as part of broad growth of the university.
His background: The Texas Almanac notes he was “formerly the state leader of the Cooperative Extension Service … a veterinarian well-respected by the A&M system and the federal government.”
The university library indicates that Evans himself authored “Down memory lane: the story of Edward Bertram Evans, Sr. and the early history of Prairie View A&M University”.

Legacy & honors

The institution’s history page lists his name in the “Principals and Presidents” section, with his tenure and the major shifts under his leadership.
On the sports/hall of fame side, the PVAMU sports hall of fame lists an “Edward Bertram (EB) Evans” inducted in 1987 for “Athletic Director” (though likely this is listing because of his administrative role).
A building on campus (the E.B. Evans Animal Industries Building) bears his name, signaling his impact on the agricultural side of the university.