ASU Student Darren Smith Represents 2026 BET Next Gen Ambassador Program
News Release: Albany State University Junior Darren J. Smith II Was Selected For The 2026 BET Next Gen Ambassador Program, Gaining Hands-On Experience In Entertainment, Media, And Public Relations During BET Awards Week In Los Angeles.
ALBANY, Ga. – Darren J. Smith II, a junior at Albany State University (ASU), was chosen from over 2,700 applications nationwide to serve as the university’s sole representative for the 2026 BET Next Gen Ambassador Program. The leadership development program offers participants practical experience in the entertainment business and is intended for students interested in media creation, marketing communications, and public relations.
Smith, a Jacksonville, Florida native, and mass communication major, participated in the competitive program with students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide. He collaborated with business experts to support red carpet operations, media relations, and event logistics during BET Awards Week in Los Angeles, California. Additionally, he had the chance to engage with celebrities, media executives, and communications specialists, which gave him priceless practical experience in public relations and entertainment communications.
“My experience in the 2026 BET Next Gen Ambassador Program was truly life changing. It provided me with an inside look at the entertainment industry and allowed me to work behind the scenes alongside industry professionals while interacting with some of today’s biggest celebrities. Every day challenged me to grow, and I left the program with valuable knowledge, meaningful relationships and an even greater passion for the entertainment and media industry,” said Darren Smith, Mass Communication Major, Albany State University
For Smith, one of the program’s greatest lessons was learning how to thrive in a fast-paced environment, “The greatest lesson I learned was the importance of remaining diligent, adaptable and prepared. The entertainment industry moves quickly, and success often comes down to being able to adjust, solve problems under pressure and maintain a positive attitude. This experience reinforced that preparation and consistency are just as important as talent,” Smith said.
Smith attributes his preparation for the opportunity to Albany State University’s leadership experiences, which enhanced his professionalism, communication, and problem-solving skills. “Albany State prepared me by placing me in leadership positions that required professionalism, innovation and the ability to perform under pressure. Those experiences gave me the confidence to step into a national platform like BET and represent Albany State with pride and excellence,” Smith said.
Throughout his time at ASU, Smith has established himself as an engaged student leader. He serves as Vice President of Operations for the Student Activities Advisory Board (SAAB) and previously, as the Sophomore Class Vice President, while remaining active in the Holley Ambassadors and ASU Kings. He has also completed more than 50 hours of volunteer service during his time at the university.
His accomplishments include being recognized as the highest-ranking sophomore in mass communication, serving as a Royal Court Escort, earning SAAB’s Sophomore Class Standout and Content Creator of the Year honors, and receiving the Student Government Association’s Ascending Influence Award, Rising Leader Award and Get It Done Award.
Smith has established a significant online presence in addition to his leadership on campus. Together with fellow student Ariel Kizer, he co-founded 504CollegeDr, a student-focused Instagram platform that showcases Albany State news, student accomplishments, and opportunities. His ability to create digital material and convey sports stories is further demonstrated by the fact that his sports media platform, Dsmoove Sports, has had over a million views.
Looking ahead, Smith hopes to pursue a career as a sports anchor, media personality or television host. As he continues building his career in media, Smith says one lesson continues to guide his journey, “Success isn’t about being better than the person beside you. It’s about becoming better than the person you were yesterday.”
