Alumni beyond Edgehill: Jaran Huggins '18
In this feature, we check in with PDS/USN alumni in all walks of life, all over the world for a look at all that life beyond Edgehill can entail.
By Sierra Smith, Communications Specialist
A creative force, alumnus Jaran Huggins '18 has been busy since leaving the halls of 2000 Edgehill. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Temple University where he studied film and media arts with a concentration in directing. While in college, Huggins premiered his senior thesis film at the 53rd Nashville Film Festival, a work that has earned Best Director, Best Producer, Best Cinematography, Audience Choice Best Film, Best Breakout Performance, and Best Undergraduate Film through its screenings to date.
Recently, Huggins worked on the 2023 AT&T Black Future Makers Campaign as an assistant director and assistant editor. What's more, Huggins has exciting projects to come. Alumni and families can be on the lookout for a short film he is producing and a web series episode he guest directed, both of which will come out later this year.
Between the many projects Huggins is working on, he took a few moments to reflect on his time at University School of Nashville.
Q: Please share a favorite memory from your time at 2000 Edgehill.
A: Friday afternoons, hanging out in the [Hassenfeld] Library and going off campus to eat dinner with friends before High School basketball games.
Q: How did your USN education prepare you for the work you're doing today?
A: USN prepped me by giving me the space to grow and evolve as a student, a creative, and a person. It instilled in me the utmost confidence and self-respect that I then carried through college and into my life now. USN always challenged me to be the very best I could in every way and I am forever grateful for that experience.
Q: What's one piece of advice you have for USN students?
A: It is crucial to allow yourself to grow. In this same context, shoot for the stars while doing it. Try everything and never let others talk you out of your potential because most likely, they're trying to figure themselves out too.
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A creative force, alumnus Jaran Huggins '18 has been busy since leaving the halls of 2000 Edgehill. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Temple University where he studied film and media arts with a concentration in directing. While in college, Huggins premiered his senior thesis film at the 53rd Nashville Film Festival, a work that has earned Best Director, Best Producer, Best Cinematography, Audience Choice Best Film, Best Breakout Performance, and Best Undergraduate Film through its screenings to date.
Recently, Huggins worked on the 2023 AT&T Black Future Makers Campaign as an assistant director and assistant editor. What's more, Huggins has exciting projects to come. Alumni and families can be on the lookout for a short film he is producing and a web series episode he guest directed, both of which will come out later this year.
Between the many projects Huggins is working on, he took a few moments to reflect on his time at University School of Nashville.
Q: Please share a favorite memory from your time at 2000 Edgehill.
A: Friday afternoons, hanging out in the [Hassenfeld] Library and going off campus to eat dinner with friends before High School basketball games.
Q: How did your USN education prepare you for the work you're doing today?
A: USN prepped me by giving me the space to grow and evolve as a student, a creative, and a person. It instilled in me the utmost confidence and self-respect that I then carried through college and into my life now. USN always challenged me to be the very best I could in every way and I am forever grateful for that experience.
Q: What's one piece of advice you have for USN students?
A: It is crucial to allow yourself to grow. In this same context, shoot for the stars while doing it. Try everything and never let others talk you out of your potential because most likely, they're trying to figure themselves out too.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Remembering Cassandra Teague Walker '67
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.Read More -
5 USN students named National Merit Semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.Read More -
Clear, restock your shelves during Fall Book Frenzy
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.