Evelyn Todd ‘21
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (April 3, 2025) – For Evelyn Todd ‘21, history isn’t just something to be remembered—it’s something to be protected. As a graduate student in Prairie View A&M University’s Master of Business Administration program, she is turning her passion for storytelling into a powerful force for historical preservation.
Through her work in the RISE Program, Todd is leading an effort to ensure PVAMU’s rich history remains accessible for generations to come. Her research project, Preventing Erasure of PVAMU History through Digitization – The Digital PV Panther Project, is dedicated to preserving crucial University records, making them available in a digital format that stands the test of time.
But for Todd, this project is about more than just scanning documents. It’s about honoring the past.
Uncovering and Preserving History
One of the most meaningful parts of Todd’s work is her research on Wyatt Chapel Community Cemetery, a historic site tucked behind PVAMU’s campus. Under the mentorship of Dr. Tyler Moore, she has been at the forefront of efforts to restore and protect this sacred space, ensuring its legacy is never forgotten.
“The highlight of my experience in the RISE Program has definitely been learning about the history of the Wyatt Chapel Community Cemetery and working with a dedicated group of stakeholders,” Todd shared. “We’ve been able to not only restore this cemetery but also ensure its historical significance is preserved for future generations. It’s been incredibly rewarding to collaborate with people who share my passion for history.”
A Unique Academic Journey
Todd’s path to historical preservation isn’t a traditional one. With a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from PVAMU, she initially built her career around storytelling. Now, as she earns her MBA, she’s blending business strategy with historical research, proving that passion and purpose don’t have to fit neatly into a single category.
“I didn’t want to limit myself to one area,” Todd said. “I have a background in Mass Communication, and now I’m earning my MBA, but I also care deeply about historical preservation. The RISE Program has been a great opportunity to combine all of these passions. It has expanded my knowledge and allowed me to see just how much can be accomplished when you bridge different fields.”
Looking Ahead
After graduation, Todd plans to continue making an impact in the world of historical preservation. She envisions a career as an archivist, ensuring that untold stories are given a voice. At the same time, she is growing her media production company, Writing Hands Productions, which focuses on storytelling and content creation.
Through the RISE Program, led by PVAMU Vice President of Research and Innovation Dr. Magesh Rajan, Todd has had the chance to apply her diverse skill set to projects that matter. The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, proving that history, business, and communication can come together in unexpected and meaningful ways.
For Todd, preserving history isn’t just an academic pursuit—it’s a mission. And thanks to her dedication, PVAMU’s legacy will continue to live on, one digitized record at a time.
A modified version of this story originally appeared at pvamu.edu/research.
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