PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 9, 2025) – Graduation holds a special meaning when you are fifth-generation Prairie View A&M University legacies like siblings Walter McNeal III and Nia A. McNeal.
Nia A. and Walter McNeal III ’25
This Mother’s Day is particularly poignant—it marks the first one since their maternal grandmother, Florene Sherman Moore, Whitlowe R. Green College of Education ‘66, passed away in June 2024. A lifelong advocate for PVAMU, she left a legacy of excellence, service, and Panther pride that continues through her children and grandchildren.
The PVAMU seniors attribute their many accomplishments to their grandmother’s memory.
“Graduating without her here is emotional, but I am eternally grateful for the legacy she helped nurture,” Nia McNeal said.
Their mother, a PVAMU College of Nursing graduate of the Class of 1991, also played a pivotal role in shaping their paths. Inspired by her career and encouraged by her stories, Nia and Walter were drawn to the place that had shaped the women who raised them.
The graduating siblings looked back at their family’s deep-rooted connection to the University. From their great-great aunt, Class of 1946, to their maternal grandparents, Class of 1966, to their mother, who graduated from the College of Nursing in 1991, along with several cousins—the McNeals proudly continue a rich tradition at Prairie View.
Nia A. McNeal
For Nia McNeal, PVAMU offered more than a chance to continue her family’s legacy.
Nia A. McNeal ’25
“Growing up in the suburbs, I was often the only Black student in my classes,” she said. “That experience made me crave connection—to culture, to history, and to a community that reflected me. I chose PVAMU because I knew I needed to reconnect with my heritage and be surrounded by people who would uplift and support me. PV gave me that and so much more.”
She graduates this May with a host of activities and extracurriculars on her resume: Belles of Prairie View, Purple Jackets, University Honors Program, Student Government Association, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Each organization taught her how to carry herself professionally while maintaining composure in stressful situations.
“They helped mold my confidence and gave me a true sense of purpose and belonging,” she said.
Nia McNeal was also the 91st Miss Prairie View A&M University for the 2023–2024 academic year.
She interned with Wendy’s in its Enterprise Technology Division for two summers, and after graduation, she will return for another internship in cybersecurity.
“My internships allowed me to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while networking with professionals in both tech and legal sectors,” she said. “These experiences helped me better understand where I want to take my career long-term.”
With a BS in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity, Nia McNeal hopes to eventually attend law school and practice intellectual property or cybersecurity law.
Walter McNeal III
Walter McNeal III, who graduates with a BBA in Finance, has made the Dean’s List four times. On campus, he was a part of Scholars of Finance, National Association of Black Accountants, and the Prairie View Banking Academy.
Walter McNeal III ’25
“I made great connections with peers and people with great advice about what I wanted to do with my career,” he said.
Walter McNeal said he came to Prairie View to continue the family tradition but discovered so much more, saying, “PV has an unmatched culture and great resources for students to get the most out of their college experience and work toward your future goals.”
With an internship as a tax analyst for the Altus Group under his belt, Walter McNeal looks forward to his next steps post-graduation.
The Legacy Continues
This year’s graduation is more than a milestone for the McNeal siblings—it’s a celebration of the women who paved the way. For Nia, earning her degree just after Mother’s Day is a powerful reminder of the strength passed down through generations.
“It feels like a full-circle moment,” she said. “It’s a tribute to my mother, who showed me what it means to lead with compassion and purpose, and to my grandmother, whose love for Prairie View continues to guide me. I hope I’ve made them both proud.”
Click here to view a complete listing of this semester’s notable graduates.
By Christine Won
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