In a powerful stride toward reclaiming identity and rewriting history, Ariel Smith, Class of 2025, has made Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) history as the first graduate of its African American Studies Program. With passion, resilience, and a deep-rooted sense of purpose, Ariel is not only preserving stories of the past but also laying the foundation for the scholars of tomorrow.

Launched in Fall 2022 through the visionary leadership of former PVAMU President Ruth J. Simmons, the African American Studies Program was created to confront generations of silenced narratives and equip students with the interdisciplinary tools to explore and amplify Black history, culture, politics, and identity. As the inaugural graduate, Ariel has become a living testament to the program’s mission and impact.

“This program helped me realize that my identity as a Black woman is rooted in our history,” Ariel shared. “My grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother are a part of those stories. Without them, there is no me.”

 Ariel Smith
 

 

Raised with a love for history but uncertain how it could lead to a viable career, Ariel once questioned whether there was a future for her passion. But PVAMU gave her more than clarity—it gave her confidence, direction, and a deep understanding of the historical contributions and cultural complexities of African Americans in the U.S. and across the diaspora.

Through thought-provoking courses like Dr. William Hoston’s “Black Masculinity” and Dr. Marco Robinson’s Public Internship, Ariel explored nuanced topics ranging from identity and representation to education and activism. In her capstone project, she interviewed community activist Fredrick Roberts, building not only a meaningful research portfolio but also real-world networks that extend far beyond campus.

Ariel’s academic journey was far more than lectures and textbooks. She thrived as a campus leader—joining a dance troupe, directing a ministry group, and engaging in student organizations—all while building a legacy grounded in truth and transformation. Her growth was nurtured by a faculty committed to mentoring and a campus community that saw her not just as a student, but as a rising changemaker.

“Learning about our people in such a microscopic way instilled in me a new sense of pride,” Ariel said. “I want to preserve our history and make it accessible for everyone.”

 Ariel Smith receiving her degree from PVAMU President Tomikia LeGrande, Ed. D.
 Twice Media Productions  

Now equipped with a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies and a fierce commitment to justice and education, Ariel is heading to Baton Rouge to teach 7th and 8th grade social studies. She’s also preparing to pursue a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Louisiana State University, with plans to spotlight overlooked community histories and build public-facing exhibits that celebrate the Black experience.

Though she was the first to walk this historic path at PVAMU, Ariel Smith certainly won’t be the last. Her story is a declaration that HBCUs are not only preserving Black history—they’re making it every single day.

“I came here and did everything I set out to do and more,” she said with a smile. “I’ll leave here with no regrets, proud to be a Productive Panther.”

📸 Click here to view more of PVAMU’s Spring 2025 notable graduates.

For more info, visit PVAMU.edu