Austin, Texas — With the start of the spring semester, Huston-Tillotson University welcomed award-winning producer and entertainment executive Stephen “Dr.” Love as industry scholar-in-residence, introducing students to a Hollywood filmmaker working across film, television and advertising.
Founder of Made with Love Media and co-founder of Invisible Collective, Love’s credits include the Netflix feature They Cloned Tyrone, starring Jamie Foxx, John Boyega and Teyonah Parris, and the action thriller Shadow Force, featuring Kerry Washington and Omar Sy. Among other recognitions, his work also earned an Emmy and Cannes Lions for advertising campaigns like P&G’s The Talk.
Bringing industry perspective directly into the classroom, Love’s role will focus on guiding students through the full creative pipeline — from concept to production to audience — with an emphasis on business strategy, ownership and sustainability in creative careers. His appointment will support continued growth within the university’s Communication Studies program.
Pointing to Austin’s creative economy as an extension of classroom learning, Love noted the importance of practical experience alongside academic instruction.
“Home to SXSW, leading tech companies, and rich culture—Huston Tillotson’s Austin locale is fertile ground for students who want to grow as Creators,” said Love. “I believe we can debunk the trope of ‘starving artists’ and help students learn how to become entrepreneurs in today’s global creative economy.”
Working in concert with Dr Shawanda Stewart, chair of the English and Communication Department, Love will contribute to curriculum development that emphasizes writing, analysis, production, professionalism, and marketing. As part of his appointment, he will also serve as a visiting lecturer this spring, teaching Media Entrepreneurship and Management.
“Our students are creators already,” Stewart said. “This work will help them refine their craft, sharpen their thinking and understand the industry they are entering.”
Highlighting the value of practitioner-led instruction, President Melva K. Wallace said Love’s experience offers students a competitive edge. “Stephen understands both how stories are made and how careers are built,” Wallace said. “That perspective matters for students preparing to enter competitive creative fields.”
About Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University, the first institution of higher education in Austin, Texas, has roots dating back to 1875. HT is an independent, church-related, historically black, four-year liberal arts institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown in East Austin. Huston-Tillotson University’s mission is to nurture a legacy of leadership and excellence in education, connecting knowledge, power, passion, and values. The University offers associate and master’s degrees in addition to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 19 areas of study. Huston-Tillotson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. HT is also an NC-SARA school. For more information, please visit www.htu.edu.
