Joseph Vivens ’23 Creatively Finds His Way Home at Bowie State

For Joseph Vivens '23, the journey to Bowie State began long before he officially enrolled.

His first campus visit was as a high schooler in 1998. While touring several colleges, Bowie State stood out. Not because of a brochure or anything he had heard about BSU, but because of how the university resonated with him.

"There was just something about Bowie. It felt like home to me," Vivens recalls.

At the time, attending a four-year college wasn't financially possible, so he enrolled at Montgomery College and began crafting his own academic and professional path. Over the next two decades, he built a successful career as an author, publisher and entrepreneur.

He is the founder, president and creative heartbeat of Vivens Media, a multimedia studio that produces books, podcasts, films and documentaries that use storytelling to challenge norms. One example is the "Chunky and Friends" children's book series that encourages kids to adopt improved habits through healthy eating and active play. Even as Vivens' career grew, that early impression of belonging at Bowie State stayed with him.

"I was in conversations with production studios to begin making my book into an animated series. Suddenly, the 2020 pandemic hit and I couldn't travel. That's when I began thinking of other stories and ideas that I had."

The unexpected quiet gave him space to reflect.

"I realized I needed more tools to grow as a writer, creator and business leader. If I wanted to take my career to the next level, I needed to get a four-year degree. The very first thought I had was Bowie State. Something about BSU was still resonating with me all these years later."

By then, Vivens was married with two children.

"I was over 40 and it was a bit of a shock for my wife, but I knew she would be 100% supportive because we're very supportive of each other."

When his acceptance letter arrived, Vivens enrolled at BSU as a commuter from Rockville, Maryland, balancing coursework with family life and the demands of running his company.

"I took classes whenever I could - daytime, evening, full time and part time - relying on flexibility, discipline and support."

Support came from both family and Bowie State professors, who quickly understood who Vivens was and what he was juggling.

"By the grace of God, they met me where I was. They coached me through papers and assignments, and I was able to make it happen."

An English major with a concentration in creative writing, Vivens thrived academically, earning dean's list honors throughout his time at Bowie State. Just as importantly, he found mentorship and inspiration.

Several assignments turned out to be long-lasting creative works. Vivens says assistant professor Dr. Kim Evelyn, his advisor and mentor in the Department of Language, Literature & Cultural Studies, was the first to suggest Vivens push his creative boundaries by submitting his work for publication.

"We had great conversations about the West Indies, because I was born in Haiti and she's also from the Caribbean. She encouraged me to submit my final essay to a literary journal at the University of the Virgin Islands."

Vivens's essay "The Power of Pathos" was published in Vol. 39 of "The Caribbean Writer" his first appearance in a literary journal.

"It was a very proud moment for me."

Assistant Professor Hoke S. Glover III (also known as Brother Yao) helped spark the idea that would become a short film Vivens later wrote and directed. In Glover's creative writing course, Vivens learned to engage the readers' senses in his storytelling.

Today, Vivens' academic influences have converged into "S.O.S.," a 22-minute short film whose seeds were planted in Bowie State's library because of Glover's assignment.

"After Professor Glover read it, he said 'you just might have something here.' His comments boosted my confidence so much."

The film is inspired by a traditional Haitian remedy from Vivens' childhood, and the story explores desperation, love, greed and consequence.

"S.O.S." is on the festival circuit, including the Maryland Film Festival and several national showcases. By coincidence, the leading role of "The Rapper S.O.S." is played by Lorenzo Miguel, a Bowie State alumnus.

Vivens is an advocate for lifelong learning and encourages others, especially nontraditional students, to trust their instincts and pursue growth at any stage of life.

"Bowie State's influence didn't end when I got the degree. It gave me momentum."

Today, Vivens continues to publish books, produce films, speak publicly and expand his creative ventures with the confidence and clarity sharpened at BSU.

"The more work you do in service of your passion, the easier it will be. I love Bowie State, so whatever I can do to support or to inspire other students to find it, I'm more than happy to help."