Where are our alumni?
Graduates from the Sociology Program have gone on to work in state and local government served as teachers in K12 institutions, faculty in higher education, and are leaders in business and industry.
Who is Ryan S. Franklin?
I have my Bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Behavioral and Political sciences from Prairie View A&M University. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I always knew that I wanted to attend an HBCU. I transferred to Prairie View A&M University in Fall 2017. Prairie View. While attending Prairie View A&M University, I served on the executive board of the Sociology Club. I also joined Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Delta, and the Baptist Student Movement gospel choir. I believe my hard work at PVAMU paid off. I graduated college in 3 years debt-free with honors (Magna Cum Laude).
Life After Prairie View A&M University?
I recently graduated my Master’s in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. I was able to complete the two-year program in one year. I began researching schools and noticed that Arizona State University had one of the top programs for Criminal Justice degrees. My ultimate goal is to work for the FBI within the Human Trafficking division so I always knew that I wanted a Master’s degree in a field related to law enforcement. It was never my plan to go back to school so soon after graduating with my Bachelor’s degree. My original plan was to get into the workforce and to have my job pay for my graduate degree. I am grateful and blessed to have a dedicated Sociology department with Dr. Cambrice and Dr. Collins in particular on my side that helped to push and encourage me to never settle for less.
What words of wisdom would you give sociology majors?
Never sell yourself short. It is okay to brag about your accomplishments. I would also encourage people not to be afraid to pursue their dreams. Nothing is impossible. Here I am 23, years old with a Masters degree and accepting an offer from the United States Capitol Police. If you would’ve told me as a freshman in college about where I would be today, I would think it was all a lie. Your dreams are attainable. You can do it. Never give up. Lastly, always remember that PV produces productive people and you too can help change the world.
Who is Renee Richardson?
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas! In 2015 I earned my B.A from the University of Houston. My major was History and my minor was African American Studies. In 2020 I earned my M.A from Prairie View A&M University in Sociology
Life After Prairie View A&M University?
Sociology is one of the most flexible research fields – especially if you are like me and have varied interests. My favorite classes were Sociology of Education and Sociology of Deviance. I was disappointed I could not take Sociology of Organizational Structures due to scheduling conflicts. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Pan-African Studies and the social science background is best suited for a multidisciplinary or transdisciplinary approach to research.
After completing my doctorate, I want to return to predominately African American schools in K-12 and teach History with a focus on Critical thinking and literacy. I also want to teach Africana Studies at the collegiate level focusing on Black culture and Black towns in the US from the 1800s to now focusing on cooperative economics, armed resistance, and education. Finally, I want to buy property to create a bookstore, coffee shop, and record store in the same shopping center.
What words of wisdom would you give sociology majors?
Find an organization system and schedule that works best for you and stick with it. Take advantage of the resources at Prairie View like premium Grammarly and the Library!