Jeanne Laurent (1902-1989) embodies the commitment to cultural democratization in France. A former student at the Université Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO), she made history by initiating the decentralization of theater under the Fourth Republic.

Born in 1902 in Cast, Finistère, Jeanne Laurent grew up in a rural Breton environment, where Breton was the dominant language. At the age of 19, she left her native land to pursue her studies in Rennes, graduating with a baccalaureate in literature. In November 1923, she enrolled at the UCO in Angers, where she studied for a degree in literature. This marked her first immersion in French culture, far from her Breton roots.

After graduating in literature from the Université Catholique de l'Ouest in 1926, Jeanne entered the École des Chartes, where she became an archivist paleographer. In 1930, she joined the Ministry of Education and the secretariat of the National Commission for Historic Monuments. In 1939, she was appointed to the Secretariat of State for Fine Arts. During the Second World War, she joined the French Resistance, receiving the Médaille de la Résistance in 1947.

In 1946, Jeanne Laurent was appointed Deputy Director of Shows and Music at the French Ministry of Education. She spearheaded a series of decisive measures in the history of public theater in France, such as the creation of the first five national drama centers, including Grenier de Toulouse and Comédie de Saint-Étienne, and the appointment of Jean Vilar as head of the Théâtre National Populaire. The aim of these initiatives was to make theater accessible to as many people as possible, especially in the provinces.

After resigning in 1952, Jeanne Laurent continued her commitment to culture. In 1974, she published Bretagne et Bretons (Editions Arthaud, 1974), praised for its wealth of documentation. She also continued to work for cultural democratization, soliciting funding for cultural projects and organizing art exchanges with foreign museums.

Jeanne Laurent is one of UCO's Grand Alumni, in recognition of her exceptional career and her lasting impact on culture in France. Her commitment demonstrates that education is a powerful lever for transforming society and making culture accessible to all.

This article is the result of research by students in the History degree program at UCO Angers.