VCU news

By Jake Burns
VCU Police

With just days to go in his college career, Stephen Kouevi continues to ponder his tree – in a metaphorical sense.

Kouevi, who graduates in May with an information systems degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Business, credits the many branches he has grown at VCU to his roots in Northern Virginia.

Kouevi’s parents immigrated to the United States from Togo before he was born and built a life for his family in Alexandria. As a first-generation college student, Kouevi said his parents provided him with the imagination to grow as a result of their hard work and dedication.

“The tree is what you have. The cars, your house, the success on LinkedIn – that person didn’t go there by themself. They had people that supported them, gave them encouragement,” Kouevi said.

He committed to working during his academic pursuits to help pay for school and ease the financial burden on his family. Early on, odd jobs at a national pizza chain and as an office assistant taught lessons but did not fit with his ultimate vision. During his sophomore year, he learned of an internship with the information technology team at the VCU Police Department.

“No referrals, just plain interview,” Kouevi said of the process. “I told them my story – I told them who I am, and I think they liked the character part of it. They hired me, and three years later, I’m still here.”

His signature smile and kind greeting have become constants around the VCU Police Department’s Broad Street headquarters, where he has learned to manage personalities and problem-solve.

“What truly sets Stephen apart is his relentless pursuit of both knowledge and wisdom. He listens intently, values different perspectives and treats every individual’s experience with respect,” said Amber Shaffer, team lead for VCU Police IT. “He’s wise beyond his years and, perhaps even more impressively, profoundly humble. While technical skills can be taught, the character traits Stephen embodies – empathy, integrity and resilience – cannot. We truly won the lottery having him on our team.”

Financial support from his internship allowed Kouevi to branch out and make connections at VCU and beyond.

He is the former president of the Information Systems Organization at the School of Business and joined the school’s Information Systems Advisory Board as a student member, earning an award for his service to the department. He also held leadership roles for Developing Men of Color at VCU, served as historian for the National Society of Black Engineers and interned with the cybersecurity team at HII Newport News Shipbuilding.

“Stephen is a one-of-a-kind student and person,” said Lori Jennings, founder of Jennings ProSearch, a tech exclusive boutique advisory firm, and a member of the Information Systems Advisory Board. “I am fairly confident that I will one day see him on the ‘Today’ show or other national network or magazine and be able to say, ‘I knew him when he was a student at VCU.’”

While the networking opportunities Kouevi sought at VCU will support his professional pursuits, it’s his personal growth that might be even more vital.

“It’s very important for people to find that community – those people that will help them get along with this thing called life,” he said. “There are ups and downs throughout the way, and I think faith and community will get people forward.”

Upon graduation, Kouevi will move back to Northern Virginia – close to his family – to work as a business analyst consultant for CGI Federal, a technology and professional services consulting firm focused on federal agencies.

Walking across the stage at his commencement will be the “cherry on top” for Kouevi, who is proud of his accomplishments and connections at VCU. Still, he is ready to see how his “tree” continues to grow.

“I want to create a generation where I leave something for my kids’ kids and also create a positive impact on the world,” Kouevi said.

“VCU, man, it’s really big on my tree. It’s the place where I found myself, found me ultimately – the UNcommon,” he continued. “People like me don’t really get to college and graduate in the four-year frame with also a job after graduation, so I feel like VCU was a big part of showing this is who Stephen Kouevi can be. It taught me how to be myself, build my friendships and know myself.”