Pearce is one of 19 coaches from across the nation to be invited to the three-day event.  The academy, which is designed to address the critical shortage of ethnic minorities in head coaching positions in college football, primarily at the Division I level, also offers assistance with career advancement, networking and exposure opportunities at NCAA colleges and universities.  Pearce will undergo an extensive three-day academy format that covers areas such as communications, fiscal responsibilities, compliance, academic issues and program building.

Pearce will begin his eighth season at Prairie View A&M with the 2011 season his first as the team's defensive coordinator.  He has had the opportunity to coach and develop an All-American in former standout Zach East in addition to several All-SWAC performers during his tenure as the linebackers coach.

Prairie View A&M will be well-represented at the forum this year as four of the 19 invitees have coached at Prairie View A&M within the past eight years.