Aurielle Brooks Named 2026 Distinguished Alumna of the Year

Valdosta State University recently honored Aurielle Brooks with the 2026 College of Humanities and Social Sciences Alumna of the Year Award. She is pictured with Dr. James LaPlant, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Dr. Donald J. Green, president of VSU; Dr. Donald J. Green, president of VSU; and Thomas D. Head, president of the VSU Alumni Association Executive Board.

VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University recently honored Aurielle Brooks with the 2026 College of Humanities and Social Sciences Alumna of the Year Award.

“To me being named a distinguished alumni means that the things I am doing and have done throughout my career are being recognized and makes me feel as though I’m making a significant impact, especially on behalf of our university and other alumni,” she said. “This award inspires me to keep pushing forward and keep striving for new heights to inspire those who aim to be where I am and where I’m going.”

Brooks, an attorney, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2014.

“The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is proud to claim Aurielle Brooks as one of its own,” said Dr. James LaPlant, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “By any measurement, Aurielle is a personal and professional success. Passionate, articulate, and intellectually astute, she optimizes the qualities that we hope to instill in our students.”

VSU Alumni Relations: How did your time at Valdosta State University shape your personal and professional lives?

Brooks: My time at VSU shaped me by teaching me to learn and grow in every way possible — through my friendships; professional, personal and educational relationships; and generally as a person figuring out the world. The people and professors at VSU helped to foster my goals by creating an environment that encourages and builds opportunities.

VSU Alumni Relations: What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since graduating from VSU? 

Brooks: I am most proud of becoming a partner at my firm, being recognized on multiple national platforms, mentoring students, and building businesses and opportunities for those looking to work in the creative and legal space.

VSU Alumni Relations: What person, experience, or opportunity at VSU had the greatest impact on your life?

Brooks: While attending VSU I had the honor of working with the then university attorney, Laverne Gaskins. She gave me an opportunity after she heard a speech I gave at the town hall during my internship with the Democratic Party. Through my time working with her I learned so much, much of which helped me to get to where I am today. It was with her that I was able to solidify my interest in contract law.

VSU Alumni Relations: What advice would you give today’s VSU students? What do you wish someone had told you when you were in college?

Brooks: I would tell students today to become obsessed with their goals, so much so that anyone or anything that seeks to negatively impact their journey is but a mere blip in their path to achievement. Any naysayers and doubters are to be ignored and removed. Any impediments are to be navigated through. Become so obsessed that you become unstoppable. 

When I was in college I wish someone told me not to be too hard on myself and give myself grace. Everything is a process, and there will be many challenges and defeats along your way to accomplishing something great. Never lose sight of the bigger picture.

VSU Alumni Relations: Where do you currently live and how do you spend your time? Your answer could include where you work and what you do there, community service you enjoy doing, the church you attend and organizations you are a member of, your family, your pets, your hobbies, etc.  

Brooks: I currently live in Atlanta, and I spend my time traveling, working, working with different organizations, and spending time with my family. In my daily work life, I am a partner at my law firm, where I practice business, entertainment, and intellectual property. In doing so I represent many businesses, music artists, actors, production companies, songwriters, novelists, etc. I am on the advisory board of the national organization Songwriters of North America (SONA), and I am working on starting a chapter in Atlanta. I also serve on the advisory board for the organization youthSpark, which fights against child human trafficking, and S.A.D.E.’s Hope, which builds awareness and fights against domestic violence, and I recently joined the board of VOX ATL, which serves as a space for teen self-expression. Beyond that I am a member of the Pi Alpha Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, and Women in Music.