Nia McNeal
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (March 17, 2025) – Prairie View A&M University senior Nia McNeal didn’t realize that playing on her mother’s Blackberry during “long” church services would be her first step toward a career in tech.
It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic, while she was in high school, that she saw just how vital technology would be in shaping the future. “I felt that was the best industry to move toward as everyone began working from home,” the 22-year-old Sugar Land, Texas native said. “The tech industry would always be in demand.”
Now McNeal, this year’s PVAMU Honors Program Chairperson and Miss Prairie View A&M University 2023-2024, is expected to graduate with a BS in computer science this May.
Her academic excellence has also earned her a spot on the Honor Roll for both the spring and fall semesters of 2024, achieving a GPA in the 3.5 to 4.0 range. This week, she will be among over 6,000 PVAMU students recognized for their academic excellence at PVAMU’s Founders’ Day and Honors Recognition Convocation.
McNeal’s dedication to her studies has been a driving force behind her success, equipping her with the analytical skills and creativity needed to excel beyond the classroom.
A Winning Pitch
While McNeal’s academic achievements stand out, her drive for excellence extends beyond the classroom. She recently put her skills to the test at the AfroTech Conference in Houston, where she and her teammates won the inaugural NBA Foundation Tech Challenge. Competing against students from universities such as Rice University, the University of Houston, and Texas Southern University, McNeal and her team, the Panther Playmakers, secured the grand $6,000 prize with their innovative pitch.
Panther Playmakers
“We brought spunk and a spirited energy to the stage, starting with a chant and dance,” McNeal shared. “We presented using visual aids, props, and coordinated attire in Houston Rockets colors, all of which highlighted our team spirit.”
In particular, their idea was geared toward Rockets fans who may struggle to incite their children to engage in the game or share their fandom. “Our target audience was the younger generation, as we know children are at an impressionable age,” McNeal added. “We designed the app to inspire the future generation of Houston Rocket fans. The extension not only educated kids about basketball, but it also helped develop important skills like mental focus and coordination.”
Their idea showed real merit. A judge later told them he wanted to play the games they had designed, while a young girl from the audience also wished she could play with it right away.
“I think what set our pitch apart was its intentionality and realism,” McNeal said. “We really focused on creating an experience that could realistically engage young audiences and build lasting relationships with the Houston Rockets.”
For McNeal, beyond the prize, the experience has been invaluable.
“As a Computer Science major, the challenge introduced me to speaking highly on the development of an idea related to software,” said McNeal, who chose technology because she feared losing her job to a computer. “Designing it from scratch pushed me to become more creative than the curriculum of my major allows.”
The exposure also taught her how to persuade an audience that they need the technology that she produced.
“For many of us, it was our first time working together as a team, and we were able to collaborate effectively by leveraging each other’s strengths,” McNeal said. This experience demonstrated how teamwork and diverse perspectives can lead to great results, even when you’re working with people you have just met.”
A Winning Future
McNeal’s passion for technology extends beyond coding—she envisions a future at the intersection of law and technology. After graduation, she plans to attend law school to specialize in cybersecurity or intellectual property. “A Computer Science background will give me an edge in understanding these complex fields,” she said.
Photo credit: CJMK Visuals
From excelling in her studies to winning national tech competitions, McNeal exemplifies what it means to be a high-achieving student at PVAMU. Her commitment to academic excellence has paved the way for her success in leadership, innovation, and competition. As she prepares to be recognized at the Founders’ Day and Honors Recognition Convocation, her journey serves as an inspiration to students striving to balance academic rigor with real-world impact.
By Christine Won
-PVAMU-