PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Aug. 7, 2026) – For JoAnn Emale, earning a Doctor of Business Administration from Prairie View A&M University represents more than an academic achievement. It marks a journey of perseverance, leadership, entrepreneurship, and service.
JoAnn Emale
The Arlington, Texas, native entered the program with a passion for learning, a growing business, and a desire to fulfill a dream of attending an HBCU. Along the way, she became a leader within the DBA program, represented her classmates during the AACSB accreditation review, supported fellow students, and continued growing her patented beauty product, Maskee, the beauty hood that prevents makeup stains when changing clothes.
As she prepares to join the ranks of PVAMU alumni, Emale reflects on the experiences and people who shaped her journey.
Why did you choose Prairie View A&M University for your doctoral studies?
I chose Prairie View A&M University because I wanted to fulfill my dream of attending an HBCU. When I began researching doctoral programs across the country, Prairie View quickly rose to the top of my list.
Not only did the program align with my professional goals, but the culture of the university, the opportunities it offered, and the genuine sense of community made it feel like home. From the very beginning, I could tell Prairie View was more than a university. It was a family. I knew this was where I wanted to earn my doctorate.
How did your family’s educational journeys inspire you?
As the child of two immigrant parents, I grew up watching my mother and father work tirelessly to create opportunities for our family. I especially admired my father, who worked nights while continuing his education. His perseverance showed me that no dream is out of reach.
When I decided to pursue my doctorate, I turned to my late uncle, Dr. Joe Igietseme, an accomplished physician, researcher, and biologist. He encouraged me by saying, “Everything will work out.” I carried those words with me throughout this journey, and they became even more meaningful after his passing.
Becoming part of the Prairie View family has been one of the greatest blessings of this experience. The faculty, staff, administrators, and my classmates created an environment where everyone was invested in my success. Prairie View became much more than the place where I earned my doctorate. It became family.
Looking back on your time at PVAMU, what moment best defines your experience?
There are two moments that truly define my experience at Prairie View.
The first was serving as a mentor during the 100 Women in Suits event. Watching more than 100 women receive their first interview suits, have them tailored, learn interviewing skills, receive professional styling advice, and prepare for the next stage of their careers was incredibly rewarding. Being able to pour into the next generation of women leaders reminded me why mentorship and service matter so much.
The second was defending my dissertation. Completing a doctoral dissertation was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It challenged me academically, mentally, and personally. It taught me resilience, perseverance, and discipline in ways I never imagined.
Those two experiences capture what my Prairie View journey has been all about. They represent leadership, service, resilience, and excellence, values I will carry with me for the rest of my life as a proud Prairie View A&M University alumna.
JoAnn Emale
You served as Graduate Council Chair, competed in entrepreneurial competitions, represented the DBA program during the AACSB accreditation review, and participated in leadership panels, to name a few. Which accomplishment are you most proud of?
Representing the Doctor of Business Administration program during the AACSB accreditation review stands out the most. Being selected by the faculty to represent the program was one of the greatest honors of my academic career.
It showed me that the faculty trusted me to share the story of our program and the impact it has on its students. Sitting alongside university leadership and speaking on behalf of my classmates was a responsibility I did not take lightly.
Knowing that my experience could help shape the future of the program and benefit future doctoral students makes that accomplishment especially meaningful.
Tell us about Maskee and how PVAMU helped you grow your business.
Maskee is my patented beauty hood that prevents makeup stains from getting on your clothes while changing. It was created to make getting dressed easier while protecting you from makeup stains.
Prairie View has played a tremendous role in the growth of my business. After Maskee was featured on Amazon Prime’s Buy It Now, I hired 10 Prairie View students to help package products ahead of the show’s premiere.
The university also gave me opportunities to showcase my business at Homecoming and other campus events. The College of Innovation and Entrepreneurship allowed me to compete in pitch competitions that helped me secure funding to continue growing the company. Prairie View has been one of Maskee’s biggest supporters, and I will always be grateful for that partnership.
How did your faculty mentors and classmates influence your success?
The faculty in the College of Business are among the most supportive educators I have ever encountered. They challenged me academically while also encouraging me personally and professionally.
I am especially grateful to my dissertation chair, Dr. Kitenge, whose mentorship and guidance were invaluable throughout this journey.
My classmates also became family. With a small cohort, you quickly build relationships that extend far beyond the classroom. We encouraged one another, celebrated each other’s successes, and supported each other through every challenge. That sense of community made all the difference.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I am looking forward to reclaiming my time and focusing on the next chapter of my career. I plan to dedicate more energy to growing Maskee while continuing to build my career in experiential marketing.
Both passions have shaped who I am, and I am excited to continue creating meaningful experiences through my business and my profession.
JoAnn Emale
What do you hope your legacy at PVAMU will be?
I hope my legacy is that I inspired others to be authentically themselves. I wanted to show that you can bring your whole identity into this program, whether that’s being an entrepreneur, a marketing professional, a former Miss Black Texas, or simply someone with big dreams.
I hope people remember me as someone who served others, led with kindness, remained resilient through every challenge, and was never afraid to bet on herself.
What makes Prairie View A&M University unlike any other institution?
What makes Prairie View different is the pride. I’ve never seen people love and represent their university the way Prairie View students and alumni do.
We genuinely support one another, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and carry the Panther spirit everywhere we go. That sense of community is contagious. Once you’re part of the PV family, you’re family for life.
If you could describe the PVAMU experience in three words, what would they be?
Eye-opening. Blessed. Transformative.
Eye-opening because Prairie View introduced me to a whole new world of academia. It taught me how deeply you can analyze a single idea, challenged me to think more critically, and gave me a greater appreciation for research, scholarship, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Blessed because this entire journey has been nothing short of a blessing. Every challenge became an opportunity to grow.
Transformative because I am not the same woman who entered this program. I came to Houston after leaving Dallas, starting over in a new city, and stepping into an unfamiliar environment. Today, I leave Prairie View as Dr. JoAnn Emale. Most importantly, I leave as a stronger, more confident, resilient, and purpose-driven woman.
What advice would you give to current or future doctoral students considering Prairie View A&M University?
Know your why before you begin. Your “why” will carry you through the long nights, setbacks, and moments when you question yourself.
A doctoral journey is challenging, but if you stay connected to the reason you started, you’ll find the strength to keep going. Never lose sight of the finish line, and always believe that you are capable of achieving it.
Click here to view a complete listing of this semester’s notable graduates.
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