Ashley and fans at Miss Black & Gold

Ashley at Camp Crimson

Ashley Harris

Ashley will be a senior this next academic year, majoring in Letters. She excels at academics and athletics and was crowned Miss Black OU and Miss Black Oklahoma.

Following graduation, Ashley plans on attending law school and practicing corporate or sports law.

She grew up in Texarkana, Texas and was attracted to OU because of the sense of community here. "OU is a large school, however there is a sense of family here that I didn't feel at the other schools I attended."

Ashley certainly has become a vital part of that community. She shines as a student, athlete and activist for Empowering Disadvantaged Youth, her platform as Miss Black OU. As Miss Black OU, her duties were to attend various Black Student Association events and "gracefully represent the black community to the entire OU community."

When asked about the importance of her culture, Ashley responded "I am very proud of my heritage and acknowledge it daily. Aside from church, I strive to be an innovative black female in order to carry on the legacy of my family with the hopes to inspire my peers to blaze trails as well."

Ashley is also involved in Camp Crimson, Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. Alpha Lambda Delta, Henderson Scholars, Advantage Scholars, Bridge Builders: African American Student Athlete Network, OU Track and Field, was second runner-up in the regional Miss Black and Gold pageant, and is a tutor at Columbus Elementary and a mentor at Marcus Garvey Charter School.

"My family and the Bible motivates me to excel in all things," said Ashley.