Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) welcomes actress and comedian Vena “Pretty Vee” Excell to deliver the keynote address at this year’s Fall Convocation on Thursday, September 15, 2022.

Pretty Vee rose to success through her stint as a cast member for MTV’s Wild ‘N Out, where she became a regular cast member for over six seasons and was also featured on Nick Cannon Presents “The Women of Wild ‘N Out” in 2021. She is also a 2015 alumna of SAU, where she is coming home to will deliver the keynote address.

“Saint Augustine’s University is honored to welcome Vena Excell home,” said SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “Her success as an entrepreneur and in the entertainment industry is living proof that SAU never makes admissions mistakes.”

Vena “Pretty Vee” Excell is a celebrity comedian, philanthropist, and entrepreneur who has established herself in business and entertainment. She graduated from SAU in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, preparing her for her future success. At SAU, she launched her radio show, “Lounge 22,” on the WAUG network, the nation’s first HBCU-owned radio and TV station.

Pretty Vee is a woman of many talents, allowing her to elevate her career beyond her time on Wild ‘N Out.

Her ambition has allowed her to become a comedian, actress, influencer, and businesswoman crossing over into multiple industries.

After Wild ‘N Out Pretty Vee ventured into the music industry and has been featured on various albums and songs by top-selling artists and musicians, including Chance the Rapper, Queen Naija, and Lil’ Kim. 

Pretty Vee has released several songs via Apple Music and other music streaming services that include collaborations with artists such as Pardi, and Polo G. Pretty Vee has a social media following of more than 6 million and partnerships with international and national companies. She has landed deals with major companies such as Citi Trends, Mielle Organics, Luc Belaire, and Fenty Beauty. She also has graced the covers of multiple magazines such as Sheen Magazine, Alpha Magazine, Rolling Out, Grind Pretty, and Hype Hair.

As a true jack-of-all-trades, Pretty Vee successfully transitioned onto the silver screen and stage as an in-demand actress. Her first live stage play was Married to a Cheater in Love with a Husband, and she has been featured in movies such as American Gangster Presents Big Fifty – The Delrhonda Hood Story, A Hip-Hop Christmas, and Miracles Across 125th Street. Most recently, she’s starred as Deja in the HBO Max Show Rap Sh*t produced by Issa Rae.

In an Instagram post announcing her role as SAU’s Convocation keynote speaker, Pretty Vee says that she is “honored to come back home” and can not wait to share her story.