Vivian France Named Levin College Spring 2026 Valedictorian
Vivian France’s selection as the Spring 2026 Valedictorian for Cleveland State University’s (CSU) Levin College of Public Affairs and Education is more than an academic honor. It represents the culmination of years of perseverance, sacrifice, and determination to build a different future.
France, who graduates with a double major in Political Science and Criminology with a concentration in Pre-Law, was selected by the college’s Academic Standards Committee as Valedictorian for her academic excellence and extraordinary journey.
“The past four years at Cleveland State have truly changed my life for the better,” France said. “I’m appreciative beyond words for the privilege I’ve had to attend CSU.”
Her road to graduation this Saturday, May 9, was anything but easy.
France overcame a difficult childhood marked by familial struggles. She moved out on her own at just 18 years old and faced financial hardship while searching for stable housing. France carried a full-time course load while working full time to support herself when she started at CSU.
Despite those challenges, France refused to let circumstances define her future. She eventually secured stable housing and went on to earn straight A’s beginning in the Spring 2024 semester.
“CSU provided me with an amazing opportunity,” France said. “I was fortunate enough to receive an academic scholarship, the Provost Award, which paired with the Pell Grant, made attending CSU affordable for me. CSU was local as well which made it even more possible to attend.”
As a first-generation college student, France viewed education as a pathway to break generational cycles of poverty, addiction and incarceration. Her ambition to pursue law stems from a desire not only to transform her own life, but to advocate for others.
“I cared deeply about grades my entire life as I believed education was my ticket out of where I seemed to be stuck in for so long,” France said. “I had always hoped to break the cycles of poverty, addiction, and incarceration in my family. I didn’t just want to break away from these cycles myself. I wanted to do something about them and truly make a difference.”
“I have had the privilege of serving the state of Ohio as a criminology and sociology professor, researcher, data analyst and author for over a quarter century,” said Dr. Jim Taylor in the Department of Criminology and Sociology. “I have had over 14,000 students during this time. I can tell you with absolute certainty, students (and humans) like Vivian France will always come out on top. She is among the best and brightest, and I would always want her on my team. I can't wait to see what she accomplishes next.”
France plans to become a criminal defense attorney and has already taken major steps toward that goal. She scored in the 86th percentile on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and actively sought career guidance through CSU’s Office of Career Development and Exploration.
“I have worked closely with Vivian France for the past three years, as her career counselor and supervisor in the Office of Career Development and Exploration,” said Career Specialist John Nelson-Hronek. “Vivian encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a CSU Valedictorian – she is a student of academic excellence, an empathetic leader, dedicated and diligent, resilient, and most importantly, a good person.”
Her leadership on campus also stood out. France served as President and Executive Board Member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, worked as a Senior Peer Advisor and presented in the university’s LSAT Workshop Series.
Beyond campus, France gained hands-on experience through internships with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office Major Trial Unit and Pregnant with Possibilities Resource Center through the Cleveland Foundation. She also volunteered with Laura’s Home women’s shelter and Seeds of Literacy, helping adults work toward earning their GED.
As graduation approaches, France reflects on how far she has come and the people who helped her along the way.
“As I finish my final year at CSU and prepare to apply to law school in the fall, I’m full of gratitude in every way,” France said. “I can look back and can truly see my entire life has led me to the exact place I’m supposed to be today. I’m forever grateful to CSU and the amazing peers, professors, and staff that I’ve had the privilege of meeting along the way. They all have supported, encouraged, and helped me greatly.”