Ashton Laurent's Path to Senior Walk is Music to Our Ears

Senior Ashton Laurent’s path to Senior Walk began in elementary school in his hometown of Pine Bluff, when he began playing the violin, then the viola, sparking his passion for sharing music. 

His next steps were taken at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he studied music education. 

In 2022, he decided that he needed a change. Ashton transferred to the U of A campus in Fayetteville with the help of the Arkansas Transfer Achievement Scholarship. The ATAS provides financial assistance for students transferring from two-year institutions in the U of A System, part of the U of A’s commitment to increasing the number of Arkansans with college degrees. 

He says the change was something he had to adjust to, coming from a smaller city to a bigger city, “but it was something I needed. It put me in a position to do things on my own.” 

At first, he says, “I felt like I was thrown out into the field...I’m not a social butterfly!” But as he met people in his classes, “They became my community.” 

Ashton credits the Inspirational Chorale as a big part of helping him feel more welcomed at the U of A. The Inspirational Chorale is an internationally recognized vocal ensemble where U of A students, regardless of ethnicity, perform various genres of the Black Sacred Music tradition. “This choir has given space for me to be authentically myself, while also encouraging me to hone my craft and try things outside of my comfort level,” he says. “All of my favorite memories come from this experience.” 

Now a senior on track to graduate with a bachelor’s in music education in May 2026, he is currently interning in the Bentonville School District teaching orchestra and general music. He plans to continue his studies after graduation, and has been acceptedinto the Master of Music in Black Sacred Music program here at the U of A – the only one of its kind in the nation. 

Ashton looks back on his time at the U of A and sees that the challenges ended up being assets: “Coming to a big campus has made a big impact on my networking skills,” he says, “as well as giving me a source of community and connection.” 

For more student and alumni success stories like Ashton's, check out some of our previous #MyPathToSeniorWalk features: Michaela Parks, Mishek Musa, Kathryn Richardson, Allison Primm and others at our #MyPathToSeniorWalk website. If you'd like to be featured in the #MyPathToSeniorWalk series, please fill out the nomination form.