01 March 2025 4 minute read
Nadia Scott, C'2024, a rising scholar deeply connected to both history and the arts is crafting a unique academic path that intertwines her passions within the field of Latin American studies. With a keen focus on visual culture and identity formation in 19th century Latin America, her journey from high school to Spelman College has been marked by discovery, inspiration and rich experiences.
Scott's fascination with Latin American history began long before she set foot on Spelman’s campus. In high school, she spent her sophomore through senior years living in Mexico, which marked her first introduction to the region. It was a transformative experience, broadening her understanding of the depth and complexity of Latin American culture. Scott always enjoyed history, but grew tired of the repetitive focus on U.S. history.
“It was really exciting to learn about new people and events,” she recalls, describing her initial spark of interest in Latin American history.
Upon arriving at Spelman, Scott immediately felt she had found her academic niche. Declaring Latin America as her geographical concentration, she dove deeper into the region's history, expanding her understanding and passion for its past and its people.
While Scott's passion for history remained constant, her appreciation for art grew significantly during her time at Spelman. Through her involvement with the AUC Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective, she began to explore the way that art and visual culture shape historical narratives. This fascination guided her research, leading her to explore the impact of visual culture and material objects on the development of national identities in 19th century Latin America.
Scott's investigation into the crossroads of history and art is not just a scholarly pursuit, but a means of understanding how individuals connect with their identities.
“I wanted to explore how art and visual culture impacted the past,” she explains. “Latin America is one of the best case studies to look at the role of visual culture in the formation of national identity in the 19th and 20th centuries.” Scott's work delved into how art became a tool of nationalism, and how it shapes the collective identities of people in nations, making the shift from colonial rule to independence.
With a strong commitment to public history, Scott stresses the importance of making history accessible and inclusive. She believes people are already interested in history in some way whether through entertainment or media, but that it is critical to expand the scope of historical narratives that people are exposed to.
“The problem is not getting people to care about history, but expanding the type of history we interact with to reflect the diversity of our world,” Scott asserts.
She also advocates for curricula that are culturally relevant and are tied to students' own experiences. “History education should focus more on logic skills and help students understand how decisions are made and how those decisions impact them,” she suggests. By prioritizing comprehension over rote memorization, students can develop a deeper understanding of history's impact on their personal experiences.
One of the most influential experiences in Scott's career was curating her first exhibition called "Crisscrosses: Benny Andrews and the Poetry of Langston Hughes", which was on display at Emory’s Michael C Carlos Museum in the fall of 2023. Collaborating with the Benny Andrews Foundation and Emory University’s Rose Library, Scott was able to experience the entire territorial process – from researching and selecting artwork to writing the exhibition text and designing the space.
“It was incredible to learn more about the role of a curator and how museum professionals bring a show to life,” she recalls. This hands-on opportunity, not only honed her curatorial skills, but also introduced her to Atlanta's vibrant art community, which she continues to engage with professionally.
Scott attributes a significant portion of her success to the mentorship she received through the UNCF Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, which equipped her with the resources, community and vocabulary needed to navigate the academic world.
“The Mellon Mays Fellowship gave me the priceless gift of community,” she reflects. “I was surrounded by people who looked like me and were deeply dedicated to their research. This community has supported me through writing my senior thesis, submitting applications, and transitioning into graduate school.”
The fellowship played a key role in demystifying the process of applying for graduate school and thriving in academia, contributing to her development as both a scholar and a person. Additionally, the fellowship connected Scott to mentors who continue to offer guidance, sharing advice on both research and life.
For Scott, who was Spelman's 2024 valedictorian, history is not just about studying the past; it’s about using that knowledge to shape how people understand their present and future. Her long-term career goals revolve around public history where she aims to create opportunities for people to engage with archives, explore historical narratives, and understand the cultural, political and economic connections between Latin America and the U.S.
For Spelman students considering a career in academia, Scott encourages them to actively seek out mentors, especially alumnae who have navigated similar paths. She also recommends taking full advantage of Spelman‘s dedicated faculty who are eager to share their knowledge.
“If your major has the option to write a senior thesis, do it,” she suggests. Writing long-form pieces in undergrad is an excellent way to demonstrate research skills to graduate school admissions committees.
Above all, Scott advises students to trust in their abilities and to find supportive communities that will nurture their growth. She notes that Spelman’s environment – along with opportunities provided by programs like Mellon offer valuable resources and opportunities that may not be found elsewhere.
Although Scott can’t pinpoint a single defining moment at Spelman, she reflects on her decision to attend Spelman as the pivotal choice that set her on her current path.
“I didn’t know about Mellon or the Art Collective when I first came to Spelman, but those programs and the community here have been instrumental in shaping my success,” she concludes.
As Nadia Scott advances in her academic and professional journey, she remains committed to expanding the scope of history and visual culture to include a more diverse and inclusive narrative. Her work will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of scholars and history, enthusiast, bringing the depth of Latin American history to the public consciousness in new and innovative ways.