PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Aug. 7, 2025) – Dr. LaKisha Atkins was drawn to Prairie View A&M University for its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, hailed as “the only one of its kind” in the Gulf Coast region.
She was seeking more than just a credential. She wanted to experience the spirit of a Historically Black College and University, and PVAMU’s standout program sealed the decision.
“I chose PV for my doctorate because I really wanted to have an HBCU experience, and when I found out they were the first HBCU to offer this new program, it felt like the perfect fit,” she said.
Dr. Atkins, 41, holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from Louisiana Tech University. After working as an accountant for 20 years, she returned to school to earn her DBA and continue growing her career.
On Saturday, she joins 17 others in earning a doctoral degree at PVAMU’s 114th Summer Commencement Convocation. In addition, the University expects to award 190 bachelor’s and 69 master’s degrees in total.
Balancing School, Work, and Family
Dr. Atkins’ journey took serious dedication. As a mother of two living in Louisiana, she completed PVAMU’s hybrid DBA program by traveling to campus once a month for weekend classes.
Her commitment didn’t stop there. She was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success and currently serves as vice president of finance and administration for United Way of Northwest Louisiana in Shreveport. She is also the CEO and founder of Atkins Financial Enterprises.
Founded in 2018, her company is focused on empowering small business owners.
“I want to educate and empower small business owners by providing practical resources that support every stage of their journey—from launching a business to navigating challenges and achieving sustainable growth,” she said.
Her new doctorate, she says, will help take the firm to the next level.
A Dissertation That Reflects Real-World Challenges
Dr. Atkins’ dissertation focused on financial distress in credit unions, a challenge she observed firsthand during her career, including the closure and takeover of a credit union due to what she described as “poor leadership and inadequate financial management.”
“The impact on the community was significant,” she said. “Unlike traditional banks, credit unions are member-owned and operate with limited capacity to absorb financial setbacks. They exist to serve individuals often overlooked by traditional financial institutions, providing access to essential resources that help families thrive and build generational wealth. When a credit union fails, it’s not just a business loss—it’s a loss of opportunity for the community it was meant to uplift.”
A Journey of Growth and Purpose
As much as the DBA will elevate her career, Dr. Atkins says the journey itself holds just as much meaning.
“I met some amazing people on this journey from all different fields,” she said. “My cohort—and the professors—taught me a lot, not just academically, but about myself too. Personally, I’ve become more strategic and patient in the way I approach decisions. Professionally, I’ve been able to help organizations think more strategically and push beyond traditional ways of doing things.”
Click here to learn more about PVAMU’s 114th Summer Commencement Convocation.
By Christine Won
-PVAMU-