Albany State junior Darren Smith joins BET Next Gen Ambassador Program

Albany State University junior Darren J. Smith II was selected from more than 2,700 applicants nationwide for the 2026 BET Next Gen Ambassador Program. The mass communication major spent BET Awards Week in Los Angeles supporting red carpet operations, media relations and event logistics while building experience in entertainment communications.

Why it matters: - Smith’s selection puts an Albany State student on a national stage in a program built to train future talent in entertainment, media creation, marketing communications and public relations. - The experience gave Smith direct exposure to the business side of BET Awards Week and the fast pace of entertainment industry work. - The program also strengthens Albany State’s visibility among HBCU students competing for media and communications opportunities.

What happened: - Darren J. Smith II, a junior and mass communication major at Albany State University, was chosen as the university’s sole representative for the 2026 BET Next Gen Ambassador Program. - Smith was selected from more than 2,700 applications nationwide. - He joined students from HBCUs across the country for the leadership development program. - Smith worked in Los Angeles during BET Awards Week. - His assignments included red carpet operations, media relations and event logistics. - Smith also interacted with celebrities, media executives and communications professionals.

The details: - Smith is a Jacksonville, Florida native. - The BET Next Gen Ambassador Program is designed for students interested in media creation, marketing communications and public relations. - Smith said the program gave him an inside look at the entertainment industry and practical experience working behind the scenes. - Smith said the experience helped him build relationships and deepen his interest in entertainment and media. - Smith said the biggest lesson was staying diligent, adaptable and prepared in a fast-moving industry. - Smith said Albany State helped prepare him through leadership roles that built professionalism, innovation and problem-solving skills. - At Albany State, Smith serves as vice president of operations for the Student Activities Advisory Board. - He previously served as Sophomore Class vice president. - Smith is active in Holley Ambassadors and ASU Kings. - Smith has completed more than 50 hours of volunteer service at the university. - His recognitions include highest-ranking sophomore in mass communication, Royal Court Escort, SAAB Sophomore Class Standout and Content Creator of the Year. - Smith also received the Student Government Association’s Ascending Influence Award, Rising Leader Award and Get It Done Award. - Smith co-founded 504CollegeDr with fellow student Ariel Kizer. - The Instagram platform highlights Albany State news, student accomplishments and opportunities. - Smith’s sports media platform, Dsmoove Sports, has drawn more than 1 million views.

Between the lines: - Smith’s path shows how student media, campus leadership and volunteer work can translate into national industry opportunities. - Albany State’s leadership pipeline appears to be helping students build the professional skills needed for competitive entertainment and communications programs. - Smith’s focus on sports media and on-camera work suggests a career track that blends journalism, digital content and entertainment hosting.

What’s next: - Smith plans to pursue a career as a sports anchor, media personality or television host. - He said he will continue leaning on the lesson that success means improving on yesterday’s version of himself. - Albany State can expect Smith to remain a visible example of student leadership and media ambition as he advances in the field.

The bottom line: - Darren Smith used a highly competitive BET program to turn campus leadership and digital media work into real-world entertainment industry experience.