Ashten White is a soon-to-be LSU graduate, who's following the legacy of a trailblazing creative family.Her grandfather, Julian T.White, was an architect – the second Black licensed architect in the state of Louisiana, and LSU's first Black professor.

Ashten, who is an artist majoring in the Bachelor of Art & Design (BA) and minoring in sociology, decided to return to LSU to finish her degree after exploring career opportunities.She was born in New Orleans but spent most of her formative years in Illinois and Texas.

"I decided to finish my undergraduate degree at LSU after taking a five-year break from school to pursue a career in music.When the 2019 pandemic impacted my work, I chose to move from Illinois to Louisiana, to be closer to family and build a sense of community at LSU."

Before attending LSU, she attended the Art Institute of Houston to pursue a graphic design degree to improve her technical skills."I decided to finish my degree in at LSU Art & Design to continue sharpening my skills and to explore new mediums and challenge my creativity."

"I love working with other artists who see the world through their own unique perspectives," she said."It creates an environment where ideas can grow, understanding deepens, empathy flourishes, and we can tackle meaningful challenges together."

Ashten has loved the LSU School of Art community events throughout her time on campus."One of my favorite memories at LSU was walking inthe Intro to 3D Design fashion show.For the show, art students were challenged to create wearable art that allowed us to express ourselves."

"I made a corset calledUnchained Legacies: A Sculptural Reflection of Freedom, made from keys and chains.This piece reflects on the struggles of those who fought for the freedoms we have today, while also addressing the ongoing social challenges that still need our attention."

In addition to walking across the stage in December 2024, Ashten says, "I am excited to show my friends and family the art I have been working on in the Barnes Ogden Gallery on campus."

LSU School of Art Fall 2024 Senior Showcase

"I feel truly blessed to have had a close, personal relationship with my grandfather, Julian T.White," she shared."His guidance continues to shape my life and the choices I make for the future."

"As LSU's first Black professor, I know he never sought the recognition he received from the university.Many of his former students have shared how deeply he cared for all of them, regardless of their age, race, or background.His kindness and civility have left a lasting impact on the LSU community.I hope the mural in the art building inspires students who may feel out of place, reminding them that they are exactly where they are meant to be."

The LSU College of Art & Design commissioned the Julian T.  White memorial mural to honor the university's first African American professor.The college worked withThe Walls Projectand the White family to design the mural in the LSU Design Building atrium, installed in early 2020.The Design Building was renamed Julian T.White Hall in 2022.

Read more about Professor White.

Read more about the Bachelor of Art & Design degree.