Posted on Thursday, May 22, 2025
McKenzie Mowoe (SOC M.A. '25)
McKenzie Mowoe walks across the Texas Southern University graduation stage not only with a Master of Arts in Professional Communication and Digital Media, but also as a trailblazer who helped put esports on the TSU map.
Born and raised in DeSoto, Texas, Mowoe’s educational journey has been marked by ambition and drive. After graduating from DeSoto High School in 2021, she earned her associate’s degree through an early college high school program, then went on to complete her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in communications (with a concentration in digital journalism) at Miles College, an HBCU in Birmingham, Alabama. Now, she’s celebrating another major milestone as she wraps up her master’s degree at TSU.
While at Texas Southern, Mowoe found her stride working as a marketing and communications Graduate Assistant. Perhaps, her most lasting impact came from founding the Tiger Strider Gaming Club, TSU’s first esports organization.
“I’ve always been a gamer,” Mowoe says. “As a kid, I was on the PlayStation 2 playing Sonic and fighting games. I didn’t even know esports was a thing until I got to Miles College, and once I joined their first esports executive board, I realized how many opportunities gaming offers, especially for Black gamers.”
Her passion translated into action at TSU, where she not only started the club but also led outreach and partnerships, helping to build connections with companies and raise the profile of esports on campus.
“I’ve been able to use everything I’ve learned here — strategic communication, networking, outreach — to help grow the program,” she says proudly.
Looking ahead, Mowoe has lined up a summer internship with a global sports tech company and is considering career paths in project management, program management, partnerships, or sponsorships. On the side, she plans to keep nurturing her love for content creation and media.
Reflecting on how TSU shaped her, Mowoe emphasizes the people and the growth she’s experienced.
“Last year, I was teaching just to get my foot in the door,” she explains. “But this year, I made the decision to focus on what McKenzie really wants — what makes me happy, while staying realistic. TSU gave me opportunities, but more importantly, it surrounded me with genuine people who care, who helped me navigate challenges, and who helped mold me into the woman I am today.”
For Mowoe, success isn’t just about landing a big job or reaching a career milestone. “Success is appreciating the good and the bad, even when the result isn’t what you expected,” she reflects. “It’s about growth — seeing where you were a few days ago and how far you’ve come.”
As she moves forward, one thing is clear: McKenzie Mowoe isn’t just graduating — she’s leveling up, ready to take on the esports world and beyond.
Category: Alumni, News Media, Students, Faculty & Staff