Graduate Spotlight: The Purpose-Filled Journey of Jerry LeDoux III

The path to college was anything but traditional for Jerry LeDoux III. A Houston native raised on the city’s Northside, the Broadcast Journalism major reflects on his journey with a perspective shaped by growth, resilience, and purpose. Unlike many students who carefully select their university, he sees his story differently.

“I do not like to say that I chose Texas Southern University,” he explains. “I truly believe that Texas Southern University chose me.”

During his senior year of high school, LeDoux had no intention of attending college. In fact, he didn’t know much about TSU. But as time passed, he began to recognize that his life was unfolding exactly as it was meant to. That realization became clearer the moment he stepped onto campus for freshman orientation in the summer of 2022.

“The moment I stepped onto Tiger Walk, I felt a genuine connection,” he recalls. “Everyone treated me like family, and that feeling confirmed my decision.”

That sense of belonging would become a cornerstone of his experience. However, the journey to a degree was far from easy.

LeDoux describes his time at Texas Southern in three words: testimony, faith, and life-changing.

His freshman year tested him in ways he never anticipated. Battling deep depression, he found himself on academic probation after his first semester. For some, that moment might have marked the end of their college aspirations. For LeDoux, it became a turning point.

Within a year, he raised his GPA to a 3.15, a testament to his determination and growth. He never looked back, remaining a fixture on the Dean’s List He credits his faith, family, and support system for helping him navigate his lowest moments, teaching him a lesson that continues to guide him: life is not defined by how you start, but by how you finish and what you learn along the way.

As he found his footing, LeDoux began to thrive—not just academically, but through experiential learning opportunities that prepared him for his journalism career. He secured an internship at Fox 26 Houston, a milestone that doubled as his first job in the industry. He also became a student co-host on Tiger Thursday for KTSU 90.9 FM, a public affairs show dedicated to sharing good news happening at Texas Southern. He also served as a multimedia journalist for KTSU2 for four years.

His accomplishments didn’t stop there. LeDoux earned prestigious opportunities such as the NBCU Academy and was featured in Bayou Beat News during a student takeover as Editor in Chief. Each experience sharpened his skills and strengthened his confidence.

“Serving as Editor in Chief, working as a multimedia journalist, and hosting as a student co-host shaped me tremendously,” he says. “They taught me how to think critically, improvise, and communicate effectively. Most importantly, they built my confidence.”

Beyond the newsroom, LeDoux immersed himself in campus life. He served in Student Government Association’s Internal Affairs Committee, and Campus PALS. He says some of his most meaningful memories came from simple, everyday interactions.

“Whether I greeted someone or they greeted me, those moments created a sense of belonging,” he says. “I hope I made people’s days better, just like they made mine.”

Still, his journey was marked by profound loss. The passing of his mentor, former ABC13 news anchor Chauncy Glover, was one of the most difficult challenges he faced. Grieving while balancing academics and professional responsibilities tested his strength in ways few experiences could.

“Hearing people say I looked like him, acted like him, and shared his aspirations was overwhelming at first,” LeDoux shares. “But over time, I learned to turn that pain into motivation.”

By focusing on his mentor’s legacy—mentorship, purpose, and impact—LeDoux found the strength to keep moving forward with a village of mentors who embraced him. That experience deepened his sense of purpose and solidified his commitment to storytelling with meaning.

As his time in Tigerland closes, LeDoux reflects fondly on how far he has come. Once uncertain about attending college, he now stands ready to enter the journalism industry with confidence and clarity.

Jerry will begin his journalism career as a Multimedia Journalist at the number one news station in a top-75 market, embracing the opportunity to step beyond Houston and explore new perspectives in a new place.

“The world has so much to offer,” he says. “I am excited to travel, learn, and grow.”

At the heart of his journey is a promise he made to himself: to graduate with a job. It was a commitment that required discipline, focus, and belief—values instilled in him by his mother, and reinforced by the many mentors and peers who supported him along the way, including his brother Julian LeDoux and a network of influential figures who helped shape his path.

Looking ahead, LeDoux hopes his Texas Southern legacy will be defined by trust, passion, and authenticity.

“I want people to remember me as someone they could rely on to tell their stories with honesty and integrity,” he says. “And as someone who genuinely cared for others.”

For future Tigers, his advice is simple but powerful: embrace discomfort.

“Growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone,” he says. “Learn from every mistake and take advantage of every opportunity. College is the time to explore—because once you graduate, the real world begins.”

In the end, LeDoux’s story is one of transformation. A single decision—one he once questioned—opened the door to a future filled with opportunity and purpose.

“Texas Southern University changed my life,” he says. “It showed me what taking a risk can truly do.”