Jamar Pierre-Louis

Jamar Pierre-Louis is among the first class of  Minor Preston Scholars to graduate from college. He interned with the Charlotte Hornets and has interests ranging from sports management and marketing to fashion design.

A 2013 graduate of Charlottesville High School, Jamar Pierre-Louis, earned a B.S. in Physical Education with a concentration in Sport Management and a minor in Marketing Degree from Old Dominion University in 2017. A Dean’s List student, Jamar was inducted into the Blue Key Honor Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

While a CHS student, Jamar played varsity basketball, delivered motivational speeches through the Charlottesville Speaker Series, co-founded the school spirit organization, Black Knight Nation, and participated in 100 Black Men of Central Virginia. His extracurricular activities continued at ODU, where he participated in intramural sports, community service, and even fashion design (launching a clothing line featured in ODU fashion shows).

During most of his years at ODU, Jamar was an intern at the Old Dominion University Athletic Foundation. He developed marketing plans, coordinated donor related events, and assisted in raising $4.1 million dollars. These accomplishments led in his senior year to a competitive internship with the Charlotte Hornets Sports and Entertainment LLC. There he aided in developing a variety of proposals, including his own for the creation of a Charlotte Hornets Kids Club. He also helped to coordinate and execute community outreach events and hospitality programs, and to manage accounts and ticket sales.

Jamar clearly embraced every moment and every opportunity his college experience offered. Reflecting upon his four years at ODU, he advises Minor Preston Scholars:

“Be willing to work so hard that you exceed what is expected of you. Always plan ahead and manage your time wisely. Distinguish yourself from those around you and develop a sense of gratitude. Lastly, build relationships with those who motivate and inspire you. Make sure you always foster these relationships, as they may be helpful in the future and open doors you didn’t know existed”

As for his experience as a Minor Preston Scholar, Jamar expresses heartfelt appreciation.

“The Minor Preston Scholars Program not only made attending college possible through its four-year scholarship, but it also provided me with emotional support. Constant advising and kind-spirited words from my Minor Preston Advisor, Mrs. Terry, inspired me to never give up and pursue my aspirations wholeheartedly. This program is simply amazing. I’m honored to have been a part of it!”