Larissa Chillous is a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama who currently serves as a Communications Specialist in the Department of Marketing and Communications at Alcorn State University. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications. Prior to graduation, she interned at ASU TV-13 and WLBT 3 as a Student Multimedia Journalist. She contributed to multiple Mississippi Association of Broadcasters award-winning projects and was selected as a finalist for the 2025 Student Videographer of the Year. She earned the title Miss Mass Communications 2024-25 and used her leadership to support her colleagues. She also had a passion for mentoring the youth in surrounding high schools and educating them about potential careers in the media field. To expand her expertise beyond the classroom, she became an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the American Advertising Association, using these opportunities to travel, gain industry exposure, and refine her skills across diverse professional settings. She was also a contributor for The Campus Chronicle (Alcorn’s online student newspaper), ASU TV-13 (Alcorn’s television broadcasting station) and the Office of Land Grant Communications.
She is currently obtaining her Master of Liberal Arts in Mass Communications and serves as a member in the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), American Marketers Association and Public Relations Society Association (PRSA). She is fulfilling her newfound passion of advocating for higher education environments through developing marketing campaigns, creating high quality long-form and social media content. She has launched and currently directs a brand ambassador program, providing mentorship and hands-on guidance to student videographers and marketers as they build their professional skills. Chillous’s upbringing in a large household of eight with six siblings taught her independence and how to work with the things she has. Her creativity led her into a journey of fine arts where she found her passion for writing and acting. She attended the Alberta School of Performing Arts (TASPA) and Tuscaloosa Fine Arts Academy at Paul W. Bryant High School where she was trained as a dancer, actress and percussionist.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ALCORN?
I chose Alcorn on a whim. I accumulated over $400,000 in scholarships and narrowed my decision between Tuskegee University and Alcorn State University and chose to be a Brave.
WHAT ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU A PART OF?
I was a marching band percussionist in the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite band, a member of Tau Beta Sigma, the National Association of Black Journalists, American Advertising Association, Mississippi Association of Broadcasters and Lambda Pi Eta.
HOW HAS ALCORN HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
People do not talk about Alcorn’s personal one-on-one assistance enough. Although people see the university as another school, the professors did not neglect me, I never had to wait for my turn for any resources or opportunities, and even my colleagues in other majors succeed because of this aspect.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT ALCORN?
Something I enjoy most about Alcorn is when alumni and students say it feels like family, they are not exaggerating. As a student and staff member, it feels like a home away from home. The environment is unique and almost unexplainable, with traditions and culture that keeps staff and alumni loyal to this institution for many years and decades for some.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR CURRENT OR FUTURE STUDENTS ON ‘THE YARD’?
My advice to future students on ‘The Yard’ is don’t be stubborn or think that you know it all. The more I listened, the more my dreams became a reality right in front of my eyes. Don’t just complete assignments from the professors just to check a box and get them done. Even if it bores you initially, be open to learning new things and be patient. You may be looking at a high-paying career path and could use those assignments and skills to put on your resume or start a business.
