Texas A&M junior Marquis Alexander, who graduated from HISD’s Barbara Jordan High School in 2007, will become commander of the university’s Corps of Cadets – the oldest student organization on campus. According to the Associated Press report:

Nearly a half-century after African-Americans were admitted to predominantly white Texas A&M University, a black student has finally reached the pinnacle of one of its signature organizations.

Marquis Alexander next school year will become commander of A&M’s Corps of Cadets, a high-profile post that involves establishing the cadets’ dress codes for their military-style uniforms and setting their daily schedule, including physical training that can begin before dawn.

According to the AP, Alexander grew up in Houston’s Third Ward. He applied to Texas A&M but enrolled in the Marines while waiting for his acceptance letter to arrive. (He was accepted, but found out after committing to the Marines. He enrolled in the university a year and a half later.) Michael Graczyk writes:

He acknowledges becoming the “face of the university” and he hopes to participate in efforts to encourage people from areas like his at home to make something positive of their lives. … “I hope to serve as a beacon of hope that: Hey, you can do this too.”

For the complete story and photos of Alexander, click here.

To learn more about Barbara Jordan High School and HISD’s other magnet programs, click here.