By Su-Ann Tan
Southern Arkansas University senior Cashae Louden’s dream of continuing her education has become a reality with an acceptance and scholarship to the acclaimed Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, New York.
As a future student of the large liberal performing arts university, Louden will be awarded a $6,000 semi-renewable scholarship. At Pratt she will undergo a vigorous three-semester graduate Media Studies program with a special interest in the Global Media interactive selection.
“I’m incredibly excited!” Louden said in anticipation for the move to New York. “This is going to change my life. Its made my dream real, and even though I’ll be completely out of my element and further away from my family, I’m looking forward to investing into this part of my life.”
In building her educational foundation, Louden credits her SAU Mass Media professor and the social network she has developed here at SAU.
“The people I’ve met at SAU have prepped me for this transition,” Louden said. “Mr. (James) Reppert has taught me how to be steadfast in my opinions and beliefs, while the friends I have made have done nothing but support and encourage me throughout the process.”
For her post-graduation plans, the Little Rock, Arkansas, native wants to use her degree from SAU and experience at the Pratt Institute to expand her personal understanding of diversity.
“I want to know things outside of the American viewpoint and standard. I want to be able to understand different races, religion, and opinions. I want to cross into international markets and experience what its like. That would be very rewarding and motivational.”
About Pratt Institute:
With a 25-acre campus in Brooklyn, a creative hub in the midst of a renaissance, Pratt is a living lab of craft and culture. Pratt’s programs are consistently ranked among the best in the country, and its faculty and alumni include the most renowned artists, designers, and scholars in their fields. Its interdisciplinary curriculum promotes collaborative and creative strategies for design thinking and provides students with unparalleled training facilities.
