PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Aug. 21, 2023) – In Prairie View A&M University’s new freshmen class, a diverse group of students is embarking on their college journeys this week. They come with dreams of making transportation more sustainable, telling stories through videos, revolutionizing aerospace, and shaping better laws.
Ford Blunt IV
Here are four Panthers who are ready to become pioneers and changemakers! As a bonus, they are also part of PVAMU’s prestigious Honors Program.
Ford Blunt IV, from Cedar Hill, Texas, wants to shape the future of transportation and create a greener, more sustainable world. The future mechanical engineer said, “I want to use my degree from Prairie View A&M University to design alternative-powered vehicles. A large portion of greenhouse gas emissions come from vehicles and travel, so I hope to design efficient and practical vehicles that would be available to the larger public to decrease those emissions. PVAMU’s engineering program is one of the best in the state, and I love the campus, so this is a great place for me.”
Ford graduated from the Early College Academy at Cedar Hill High School, where he participated in band, co-founded the school’s chess club and served as president of the National Honor Society.
Moriah Jeffries
The strong community at PVAMU was a big draw for Moriah Jeffries. She graduated from Grandview High School in Aurora, Colorado, but considers Houston home, as it’s where she spent most of her childhood. Her family’s moves from Dallas to Richmond, Virginia, to Houston and Colorado taught her the importance of a vibrant, welcoming community, and Moriah has confidence she’s found it at PVAMU.
She comes from a Panther family – her parents are alumni, and her sister is in the Class of 2025. But Moriah’s ready to forge her own path at PVAMU. The communication major has produced videos and YouTube-style commentaries since she was young and enjoyed her video production and editing classes in high school. “I love to record my life so I can capture moments and be able to relive them.”
Moriah is a recipient of the University’s most prestigious scholarship, the Regents’ Student Merit Scholarship. “When I found out that I got the Regents’ Scholarship, I was so happy I literally cried,” she said. “I worked really hard in high school, and getting the scholarship made it all worth it.”
Noah Crew
Noah Crew is ready to fly. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been interested in anything that could fly. Jets, planes, helicopters, I was fascinated by them all. Because of this, I decided I wanted to make aerospace my career,” he said. Being a mechanical engineering major at PVAMU is an ideal foundation for him. “The resources here for engineering students are second to none. Whether it be tutoring, the on-campus facilities, or various opportunities for internships and full-time jobs, I believe Prairie View is the perfect place for aspiring engineers.”
And he’s set his sights on a career with aerospace companies like Boeing or Lockheed Martin. But in the meanwhile, Noah’s looking forward to getting involved on campus. He’s a musician, a golfer, and a gamer, so when it’s time to take a break from his studies, he’s ready to play.
“I am looking forward to seeing what I become in the next four years.”
Noah was born and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and graduated from Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield.
Garyn Bevels
Garyn Bevels is determined to make a difference. The political science major from Alexandria, Louisiana, wants to one day serve her community as a member of Congress. “There’s so much legislation being written against people who look like me. I want to help write laws that will protect disenfranchised people in our country,” she said.
Garyn got a head start on her political career during high school. “Last year, I had the honor of representing the state of Louisiana as our high school Democrats Vice-Chairwoman. It was a wonderful experience that helped me see the behind-the-scenes of the political process. I was able to meet with representatives, campaign for local politicians, and do so much more.”
Garyn is a recipient of the Regents’ Student Merit Scholarship. “Receiving the Regents’ Scholarship was a huge honor! I’m so blessed to be able to attend such a wonderful university that makes my collegiate dreams possible.”
Welcome to “The Hill,” Class of 2027! #ExcellenceLivesHere.
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