This website uses cookies to ensure site visitors get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies and Privacy Statement. To find out more, please visit Southern University's Privacy Statement.

I agree
Writing Den

Jesus Avila, MFA

Jesús Ávila was born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, a small Mexican town that borders with Texas.  He was raised in Houston the majority of his life.  In Houston, Ávila grew into his artistic and intellectual talents.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English (2003) from the University of Houston-Downtown, where he was mentored by Jane Creighton and the late Lorenzo Thomas.  During his time at UH-D, Ávila also tutored students at the Writing and Reading Center and Learner’s Community.   As his creative talents grew, he joined and worked with many outreach programs with strong writing/literacy components such as Writers in the Schools, Voices Breaking Boundaries, and Talento Bilingüe de Houston.  His experience with these programs allowed him to workshop with various age groups.  In 2010, Ávila was accepted into Louisiana State University’s MFA Creative Writing Program.  He received his MFA in 2013 having written a collection of poetry entitled desmilagros.  Upon receiving his degree, he was also awarded a two-year teaching fellowship (2013-15).  Currently, Ávila works as a full-time English Instructor and Writing Den Coordinator for Southern University-Baton Rouge.  In his free time, Ávila enjoys making music and especially enjoys playing the blues on his guitar.