Courtesy of Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University students showcased their skills and innovation at the 2025 HBCU Battle of the Brains, held earlier this month in Austin, Texas. Competing against 24 other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the PVAMU team impressed judges and advanced to the top seven finalists in this prestigious competition.
This year’s challenge centered on artificial intelligence (AI), requiring teams to develop strategies for increasing consumer engagement with ads. Over the course of the competition, students tackled real-world business problems, demonstrating critical thinking, technical expertise, and teamwork.
PVAMU Among the Best
PVAMU stood alongside six other top-performing universities in the final round:
- Morehouse College (GA) – First Place
- Huston-Tillotson University (TX) – Second Place
- Lincoln University of Pennsylvania (PA) – Third Place
- Bowie State University (MD)
- Johnson C. Smith University (NC)
- Philander Smith University (AR)
- Prairie View A&M University (TX)
“I am incredibly proud of our PVAMU team for exemplifying excellence and embodying the spirit of ‘PV Produces Productive People,’” said Professor Audria Ford, a competition advisor and faculty member in PVAMU’s College of Business. “It was truly an honor to work with such a unified and talented group of students.”
Meet the PVAMU Team
The six-member team represented a range of disciplines:
- Nina Edwards – Finance
- Teliyah Wynder – Management Information Systems
- Fawaz Abdulwahab – Computer Engineering
- Josiah Moore – Computer Science
- Oluwatobiloba Lawuyi – Computer Science
- Rakshith Puligundla Venugopal – Computer Science
Their success was supported by faculty advisors from the College of Business:
- Professor Audria Ford (Finance)
- Professor Reginald Holloway (MISY)
A Transformative Experience
Beyond the competition, students engaged in daily networking opportunities with corporate representatives, gaining valuable industry exposure. The event provided an ideal platform for students to hone their business acumen, expand their professional networks, and showcase their problem-solving skills in a high-stakes environment.
“We want to extend our gratitude to Interim Dean Aneika Simmons of the College of Business, Dr. Moosa Khan, department head, and Ms. Kimberly Gordon, assistant dean, for the opportunity to attend this wonderful event,” said Professor Ford. “Participating in this event gave our students valuable exposure and experience toward achieving success.” She also thanked Career Services for sponsoring the University apparel shirts for the students during the event.
Looking Ahead
The HBCU Battle of the Brains continues to be an invaluable opportunity for PVAMU students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, collaborate with peers, and elevate their professional journeys. As finalists in this year’s competition, PVAMU students have once again proven their ability to compete at the highest level.