Victoria Davis-Sutton
The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Business proudly celebrates Black History Month by highlighting students and their unique experiences on campus. Today, we highlight Victoria Davis-Sutton, a dual major in Management and Marketing and RISE Academy student.
Victoria Davis-Sutton Headshot
Who are your Black heroes and why? What impact have they made on your life?
I haven’t had any Black Heroes recently. My hero in high school was Malcolm X. I know his theories were controversial. But at the same time, I understand where he says, “By any means necessary.” There is nothing wrong with Martin Luther King Jr. and his movement of nonviolence. I identify more with Malcolm X. Recently, I learned about the first black female lawyer, Charlotte Ray. She inspires me because I want to be a lawyer as well. Through everything she was going through being black and having to face struggles, now that I have the opportunity to go to law school, I won’t face as much prejudice as she did back then; there is no excuse, really.
Who are some black students, staff and faculty that have impacted or inspired you and your experience on campus?
Meeting Mrs. Philisa Stanford changed my entire college experience. I came here in 2020 during COVID and didn’t have much to do because I was stuck in the dorm rooms. Once things started to kick up in 2021, I met Mrs. Stanford in the fall. When I met her, I started working for RISE Academy. She taught me how to improve my college experience. She began to tell me all the things that she wished she had done when she was in college. Her hiring me and accepting me into RISE Academy really helped. I got to travel to Spain because of RISE Academy, and no one in my family has ever done that before. I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t met her, and I am very grateful for everything she taught me. I hope I take what she has taught me to my next adventure.
Looking ahead toward your career, how do you envision impacting the business community?
I plan to take what I have learned at UTA and make something of myself when I start my own business. I plan to be a business owner, and I plan to go into cosmetics. My reason for getting a business degree is to understand the foundations of business and finance so I can be a successful entrepreneur.
What impact do you hope to have on Black History?
Everyone is responsible for giving back to their community, no matter what that looks like. For me, that looks like providing scholarship opportunities for young black girls. I told my mom that when I become a successful business guru, I plan to give back to my community by providing students scholarships for college, starting a business, or even getting a trade. Giving back is important because I was given a scholarship to come here by other black people and organizations, and I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have them. Since someone helped me, I plan to help someone else.
What motivates you to earn your business degree?
I want to own my own cosmetic company. I want to support my lifestyle. This business degree is my first step, and it motivates me to do my best and get good grades, including networking and meeting new people.
What do you hope will be part of UTA’s BHM experience next year?
I think what we are doing now is perfect for next year. Students can look for the programs and events that are happening here on campus and find a lot going on. UTA BSA, Women of Gold, and NAACP are doing a lot of events. If students attend those, then they can learn a lot about black history month.
What is the most fulfilling part of being black on campus?
I came from Texarkana, Texas. The styles there are very conservative. I love that UTA has a different range of black women here. Seeing girls wear purple, blue and pink hair on campus was something I didn’t see at my school.
A fun fact about you:
I want to move out of the U.S. eventually.