Title

Dr. Joseph A. Pierce

Preview

Challenges

• Led TSU during campus invasion by Houston police
• Event was preceded by student protests over dismissal of Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and faculty advisor.
• SNCC supporters barred doors to classrooms and blocked traffic on Wheeler Avenue.
• Protests culminate in the shooting death of rookie officer, Louis Kuba.
• Police arrested more than 400 students. All were released except five men charged in the death of Kuba.
• The murder charges were eventually dismissed.

Accomplishments

• Though Pierce served the shortest tenure of any TSU president, retiring due to health concerns, the university enjoyed record graduation numbers during his stint.