Double the Degrees, Double the Drive: PV Grad Jayven Jean-Louis Leaves a Lasting Legacy at PVAMU

When Jayven Jean-Louis steps onto the graduation stage at Prairie View A&M University this spring, he won't just be receiving one degree-but two. With a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Jean-Louis exemplifies what it means to fuse logic with creativity and heart with hustle.

Born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas-he says, the birthplace of the term "TRILL" and home to iconic rap duo UGK (Underground Kings) - Jean-Louis brings that same grit and cultural pride to everything he does. And as a first-generation college student, the journey to PVAMU wasn't just personal; it was legacy-defining.

"As a first-generation college student, entering college initially felt like stepping into unfamiliar territory with no blueprint or roadmap," he shares. While he is the first in his immediate family to attend and graduate from PVAMU, he joins a group of cousins and extended family members who proudly graduated from The Hill before him. "The experience shaped my tenacity. It means I carry not just my dreams but the aspirations of my entire family. It's both a responsibility and a blessing."

That sense of responsibility drove him to dream bigger. Initially enrolling in Computer Science, Jean-Louis quickly realized he didn't want to choose between his passion for technology and his love for media. So, he didn't.

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"I decided not to choose-I pursued both," he says. "It allowed me to build a rare skill set: analytical thinking fused with creative storytelling."

More than that, Jean-Louis discovered early on that the secret to fulfilling creativity and meaningful work - and the future - often belongs to people who can bridge worlds.

"I wanted to be both an innovator and a storyteller," Jean-Louis said with a smile in his voice.

Still, the path he chose wasn't easy. As he worked through taking 18 to 21 credit hours per semester, summer classes, and rigorous coursework, his schedule was relentless. But Jean-Louis didn't just survive-he thrived. Alongside his academic grind, he interned, led student organizations, directed short films, served in student government, entered pitch competitions, and even launched his own film production company, TRILL TINT.

"One of my proudest achievements was launching TRILL TINT, a creative house born out of a desire to tell authentic, culturally rooted stories that uplift and inspire," he says. "What started as a dream at PVAMU became a tangible platform for visual storytelling, artistic collaboration, and creative entrepreneurship."

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His talents and leadership didn't go unnoticed. A four-time Toni Morrison Scholar, Jean-Louis learned from literary giants, including the late great Nikki Giovanni and the brilliant author Tayari Jones, who both served as writers-in-residence for PVAMU's Toni Morrison Writing Program. These experiences helped sharpen his voice as a storyteller and strengthen his commitment to elevating untold narratives. He was also selected for an inaugural class of Yard Ambassadors and Influencers for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, where he used his creative vision to represent HBCUs in the South.

"These experiences shaped my voice as both a storyteller and a leader, reinforcing the power of language, narrative, and truth," he said.

At PVAMU, he found not just a campus, but a community. That exploratory experience - looking for your future and finding yourself and a world of possibilities in a community that you never fully leave behind, even after graduation - is a sentiment echoed not just by Jean-Louis, but by many people who have walked alongside fellow PVAMU students.

"These spaces gave me purpose, visibility, and a village. From planning university-wide events to facilitating mentorship programs, I learned to lead with integrity and serve with heart," Jean Louis said. "They helped me build a legacy while finding a sense of belonging."

That community spirit, Jean-Louis says, is what sets PVAMU apart. Prairie View Produces Productive People, as they say.

"PVAMU offers a unique culture of resilience, pride, and purpose," he said, "It's a school that doesn't just prepare you; it propels you."

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Now, with graduation on the horizon, Jean-Louis is in the final rounds for several fellowships and media career development programs that align with his hybrid background in tech and storytelling. His long-term goal is to become a creative executive and producer of truly meaningful work.

"I want to use media to spotlight underrepresented voices, shift culture, and craft narratives that educate, entertain, and empower," he says. "I'm looking forward to learning from top professionals and gaining the hands-on experience that will elevate me into a leadership role in the creative industry."

His advice to those coming after him is to "be bold and be you." After all, there is only one of you.

"Bet on yourself. Say yes to things that scare you," he said. "Lean into your uniqueness and never underestimate how powerful your story is."

For Jayven Jean-Louis, two degrees are just the beginning. What he leaves behind at PVAMU-and what he's building ahead-speaks volumes, alongside his zero-hesitation attitude that he would do it all again if he had the chance.

"The degrees are pleasant. The experiences are unforgettable," Jean Louis said. "But the real win is knowing I inspired someone else to dream bigger."

Click here to view a complete listing of this semester's notable graduates.

By Meredith Mohr

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