Hunter Waldon ’24
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Out of the bustling Houston sprawl, a young man named Hunter James Carl Waldon embarked on a journey that would shape his future and leave an indelible mark on Prairie View A&M University. As he walked these hallowed grounds, little did he know that his path would lead him to become a beacon of leadership and inspiration for his peers.
Hunter, a legacy of PVAMU with a family history deeply rooted in its heritage (his grandparents and his great aunt graduated from PVAMU), arrived on campus with dreams of baseball glory. However, fate had other plans for him. Despite his prowess on the baseball field, Hunter found himself at a crossroads, torn between his athletic aspirations and a newfound calling to serve his university in a different capacity.
Through the guidance of his predecessors and mentors, Hunter discovered his true potential. Encouraged to participate in the prestigious Mister HBCU competition, the 2023-2024 Mister PVAMU hesitated at first, unsure of his ability to rise to the occasion. However, with unwavering support from his advisors and peers, he embraced the challenge with determination and resilience.
The journey to the Mister HBCU competition was not just a quest for personal accolades but a transformative experience that allowed Hunter to connect with fellow Kings from HBCUs nationwide. Through roundtable discussions, community outreach, and seminars, Hunter found a sense of belonging and purpose that transcended the bounds of competition.
Throughout his time at PVAMU, Hunter’s public speaking skills and his ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and passion were evident to all who knew him. Whether addressing his peers, participating in community outreach, or engaging in academic discussions, Hunter consistently demonstrated his gift for communication and his unwavering commitment to social justice.
His ability to articulate the importance of remaining aware and engaged in today’s society left a lasting impact on those around him, showcasing his remarkable leadership qualities and dedication to effecting positive change.
As Hunter prepares to graduate with a degree in accounting from the College of Business, he reflects on his journey with gratitude and humility. Through his involvement in organizations such as PALS, Royal Court, SGA, BLACK, MALE, NABA and, of course, PVAMU baseball, he has honed his leadership skills and cultivated a spirit of service to others.
Looking ahead to the future, Hunter is eager to embark on a career with Deloitte & Touche, where he hopes to promote financial literacy and empower others to achieve their goals. His journey may have had its challenges, but through it all, Hunter has emerged as a shining example of resilience, determination, and the true spirit of PVAMU.
Hunter offers sage advice to current students: Believe in yourself, have a plan, and always keep sight of your goals. With faith, determination, and a supportive community by your side, anything is possible.
“You can’t do it all by yourself,” he said.
As Hunter prepares to take his next steps beyond The Hill, his legacy will endure as a testament to the transformative power of education, perseverance and the unwavering spirit of a true Panther.
Click here to view more of this semester’s notable graduates.
By Kerry Laird
-PVAMU-