Prairie View A&M University announces the inaugural appointment in its Presidential Executive-in-Residence Program, a new initiative that connects students and faculty with industry leaders whose careers have redefined business and culture.
Dr. Mathew Knowles, entrepreneur, branding strategist, and cultural architect behind global icons Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, and Solange, has been named the University’s first Executive-in-Residence for the 2025–2026 academic year. With more than $100 million in business exits and acquisitions, plus groundbreaking campaigns for Pepsi, L’Oréal, and Samsung, Dr. Knowles brings unmatched expertise to PVAMU. A LinkedIn Top Voice and recipient of the National Speakers Association’s Master of Influence Award, he is also recognized by Marquis Who’s Who and serves as a global advocate for health and wellness.
Throughout the fall and spring semesters, Dr. Knowles will lead four master classes (two each term), in collaboration with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Department of Languages and Communication.
Master class topics include:
- From Solopreneur to Entrepreneur: Debunking myths, embracing mindset, and building meaningful work (Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship)
- Strategic Visibility: Brand, business, and the power of narrative (Department of Languages and Communication)
These interactive sessions give students direct experience in:
- Launching purpose-driven ventures
- Designing and executing strategic communication campaigns
- Navigating the evolving worlds of business, branding, and media
As part of his residency, Dr. Knowles will also lead two faculty development workshops on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, harnessing storytelling, and advancing brand strategy and media innovation. These sessions, exclusive to Prairie View A&M, bridge academic theory with professional practice, equipping faculty to drive ingenuity, enrich teaching, and prepare students for future-ready careers.
Dr. Knowles’ appointment marks the beginning of a program that reflects Prairie View A&M University’s commitment to embedding visionary leadership into the academic experience. Through the Presidential Executive-in-Residence Program, PVAMU reinforces its distinction as a national model for student success, innovation, and the transformative power of education.
