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LIVING A LEGACY: ALCORN ALUMNI
CELEBRATING OUR FAMILY Alumni Highlights
Biden appoints Dr. Corey Wiggins ’03 to lead Delta Regional Authority
In December, Alcorn alumnus Dr. Corey Wiggins, former executive director of the Mississippi chapter of the NAACP, was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as the federal co-chair for the Delta Regional Authority (DRA).
The authority is based in Clarksdale, MS. Mississippi has 48 counties in the DRA.
“I am grateful to President Biden for the opportunity to lead the Delta Regional Authority at this critical time in our country,” said Wiggins. “Throughout my career, I have been driven by a mission of service with an emphasis on creating equitable opportunity. I look forward to working with the communities across 252 counties and parishes served by the Delta Regional Authority to focus on solutions that will improve the quality of life in the region.” Carla Kirkland ’86 named one of this year’s Girl Scouts Women of Distinction
Carla Kirkland, CEO of The Kirkland Group, was selected as a Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi Woman of Distinction. The award recognizes honorees for their dedication to their respective communities. Kirkland’s company is an educational firm that collaborates with K-12 schools and school districts to support individual student needs, improve academic achievement, and build teacher and principal capacity. Earning recognition for her service to others gives Kirkland more pride in her work. She appreciates being honored amongst other hard-working women who serve as role models to the next generation of women leaders.
Dr. Dennis Thomas ’74 inducted into College Football Hall of Fame
Dr. Dennis Thomas, who contributed the largest alumni gift in Alcorn history, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame this year. Thomas was the only offensive lineman to ever be named the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year and now becomes the second Braves player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame behind Steve “Air” McNair.
Posthumous degree awarded to Mr. Earnest McEwen Jr.
During the Spring 2022 commencement, Alcorn awarded the late Mr. Earnest McEwen Jr. a posthumous honorary doctorate. The honor came as Mr. McEwen would have celebrated his 90th birthday. Mr. McEwen attended what was then Alcorn A&M sixty-five years ago from 1953-1957. Mr. McEwen served as the Student Council President and for his role in leading student protests to uphold student civil rights and Alcorn’s integrity, was expelled from Alcorn “forever” just a few months prior to his much-anticipated graduation. He used his knowledge and experience to launch a successful career as an engineer with the Ford Motor Company.
Mr. McEwen’s daughter, Dr. Gloria McEwen received the award on behalf of the family and gave the commencement ceremony’s address.
Ella Hudson ’91 elected as an alderwoman for the city of Fayette
Ella Hudson, director of Judicial Affairs and Student Conduct, was voted as an alderwoman in the City of Fayette. Her duties include implementing city ordinances and overseeing Fayette’s fire, maintenance, police, parks and recreation, and public works departments. Before being elected a city official, Hudson served multiple organizations that include the Fayette Day and AJFC Parent committees. She currently serves as a board member of the Jefferson County Comprehensive Health Center and is a member of the Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition, among other things. Hudson holds being an elected official in high regard. She’s proud to lead by example. Leslie Frazier ’81 receives Lifetime Achievement Honor
Alcorn alumnus and Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier was named one of the recipients of the Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman Award this year, which is given out by the Professional Football Writers of America.
This award is presented to an NFL assistant coach for their lifetime achievement in the league. The award is named after Sports Illustrated reporter Paul Zimmerman, who started covering the NFL in 1966. Zimmerman worked for Sports Illustrated from 1979-2008.
Donald Driver ’99 inducted into the Black College Hall of Fame
Donald Driver was one of seven inductees into the Black College Hall of Fame, class of 2022. Driver attended Alcorn State University, fulfilling his grandfather’s wish of him going to an HBCU. He would excel in both football and track & field. He finished his college football career with 88 receptions for 1,993 yards. Driver is one of the most decorated track athletes in the NFL (he is an Olympic-class high jumper, being able to jump 7 feet 6 inches and almost qualified for the 2000 Summer Olympics team). He was a five-time “Athlete of the Year” in the SWAC in track and football. He would later be selected in the seventh round by the Green Bay Packers in the 1999 NFL Draft, becoming the franchise all-time leader in receiving yards, four-time pro bowler, and Super Bowl 45 champion.
LLJuna Weir ’94 appointed to Natchez-Adams School District Board of Education
LLJuna Weir, who serves as director of Educational Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity, is the newest member of the Natchez-Adams School District Board of Education. In late February 2022, Weir was unanimously voted onto the school board and was appointed to her position by Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson and the Board of Alderman. Weir is excited to serve on her hometown’s school board. Some of her plans include strengthening the school board’s relationship with Alcorn and understanding the needs of students and parents. This role further shows Weir’s life purpose of serving others.
Largest class gift in Alcorn’s history
Sixty-six Golden Class of 1972 members received their golden diplomas to commemorate their 50th graduation anniversary during the Spring 2022 commencement ceremony. In addition, the class donated the largest class endowment of $162,153 in honor of their golden jubilee.
Two of those members, Mr. Bobby Wilson, and Dr. Margarett Wilson, who met and fell in love at Alcorn, were ecstatic to celebrate their milestone and share it with their grandson Ernest Dixon III. The latter earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. Dr. Dennis Thomas makes largest gift by an alumnus in Alcorn history
To show his appreciation to his alma mater, Thomas donated a $350,000 gift, the largest gift from an alumnus in the University’s history. The gift is in honor of Thomas’s parents, Mr. Russell and Mrs. Marjorie Thomas, and is an endowed scholarship fund that will support students from his hometown, Heidelberg, Mississippi.
“We appreciate Dr. Thomas for his many years of support to Alcorn State University,” said Dr. Nave. “He continues to show his love for our university through his time, talent, and treasure. Dr. Thomas’ notable achievements throughout his career are the epitome of an Alcornite.”
Alcorn is responsible for providing Thomas with a foundation that has powered him on his road to achievement. In fact, he turned his alma mater’s name into an acronym to describe what the University means to him. The A, [for Thomas] stands for accountability, achievement, and attitude. The L stands for legacy, loyalty, and love for our alma mater. The C stands for commitment, character, and courage. The O is for the observance of our ode. ‘Beneath the shades of giant trees, fanned by a balmy southern breeze.’ The R stands for resiliency. When you get knocked down, come back, stand up, and fight some more. The N stands for necessary.
