Deangelo Evans is carving out his place at Florida A&M University by staying rooted in authenticity, purpose and community. A fourth-year environmental science scholar from Miami Gardens, Florida, Evans brings a deep respect for the Earth and a strong sense of self into everything he does.
Born and raised in a predominantly Black community in Miami, Evans’s upbringing shaped his worldview and love of his university.
“What I love about my major is how broad it is,” Evans said. “There’s room for everybody to come in and bring their expertise and their passions together, all with the goal of bettering the environment and the Earth as a whole.”
Environmental science was not a sudden interest for Deangelo, but rather something that grew naturally over time. As a child, he felt deeply connected to nature and developed an early respect for the environment. That connection eventually evolved into a sense of responsibility.
“I’ve always been in tune with the Earth,” he said. “I felt like it was in me to do what I could in my lifetime to protect it and educate people. Each one, teach one.”
His decision to attend Florida A&M University came after transferring from community college, where FAMU representatives visited his campus and introduced him to the university’s programs and opportunities. The experience left a lasting impression.
“They were the only ones who came to my school and really sold it,” Evans said. “They talked about scholarships, programs and what they were doing, and I thought it was pretty cool.”
Beyond the programs themselves, Deangelo found comfort in FAMU’s cultural environment. As a student at a historically Black university, he appreciates learning through a lens that centers Black experiences and believes it enhances his education.
“With my major, we talk about things like environmental racism,” he said. “That’s not something that would be emphasized as much at another school.”
When he found out that his peers had voted him as one of FAMU’s Finest, Deangelo was genuinely surprised. Despite being loved within his friend circle, he admits he sometimes feels overlooked on campus.
“I honestly felt honored,” he said. “Sometimes I feel a little invisible outside of my friend group, so to know people see me that way meant a lot.”
Currently single, Evans says he is in no rush to be in a relationship and is focused on substance rather than speed when it comes to dating.
“I’m at a point in my life where I want something with more meaning,” he said. “I’m dating with more intention now. Of course, companionship is nice, but I really want it to be meaningful and long-term.”
