Prairie View A&M University has named Dr. Mathew Knowles as the inaugural Executive-in-Residence for its newly launched Presidential Executive-in-Residence Program, a bold initiative aimed at connecting students and faculty with global leaders across disciplines.
Knowles—an entrepreneur, branding expert, and the visionary behind the careers of Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, and Solange—will serve in the role during the 2025–2026 academic year. The program, announced by the president’s office, is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world leadership.
“There is an opportunity for us all to inspire the next generation to take their economic prosperity into their own hands,” Knowles said in a statement shared on social media. “Entrepreneurship can change their lives and their families’ lives for generations.”
Beginning in Fall 2025, the residency will include four high-impact master classes—two each semester—designed to prepare students for the fast—changing landscapes of business, branding and media. The courses are offered in partnership with PVAMU’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Department of Languages and Communication.
Among the offerings:
- From Solopreneur to Entrepreneur: Clarifying Myths, Embracing Mindset and Building a Life of Meaningful Work
- Strategic Visibility: Brand, Business and the Power of the Narrative
Through these sessions, students will explore launching purpose-driven ventures, developing strategic communication campaigns and shaping their professional narratives.
“This is about more than just guest lectures,” said a university spokesperson. “It’s an intentional strategy to place our students in direct conversation with transformative leaders—people who’ve built empires, redefined culture and understand the responsibility of using your platform for good.”
In addition to student-focused programming, Knowles will lead two faculty development sessions aimed at cultivating entrepreneurial thinking, storytelling frameworks and brand strategy integration into course curricula.
With more than $100 million in business exits and acquisitions, Knowles has also led major branding campaigns for global giants like Pepsi, L’Oréal and Samsung. He is a LinkedIn Top Voice, a Master of Influence Award recipient from the National Speakers Association and a Marquis Who’s Who honoree.
PVAMU officials said the new program aligns with the university’s strategic vision to embed world-class expertise into the student experience and reimagine how academic institutions prepare future leaders.
“Dr. Knowles’ appointment is not only prestigious—it’s purposeful,” said the spokesperson. “It signals our commitment to innovation, excellence and to preparing our students to lead with clarity, creativity, and confidence.”
For more updates on the Executive-in-Residence Program, visit pvamu.edu.
