Alcorn’s Office of Admissions and Recruiting will host the 2024 Fall High School and Transfer Day on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m. at the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex.

The registration fee for this year’s event is $25. Registration closes Sept. 10.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity for high school and transfer students to explore all that 91���� has to offer,” said De`Martinez` Simmons, interim director of Admissions and Recruiting. “We are thrilled to open our doors and provide a preview of our academic programs, campus life, and the vibrant community that awaits them.”

The recruiting event will feature various activities designed to give attendees a firsthand look at what makes Alcorn unique. Participants will have the chance to —

• Learn more about our cutting-edge undergraduate academic programs,
• Enjoy our beautiful campus and find out more about student life, and
• financial aid options at Alcorn.

“This event is not just about showcasing our programs but also about building connections,” Simmons added. “We want prospective students to feel informed and inspired as they consider the next steps in their educational journey.”

Students and their families will be able to Catch the Braves Football team and the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite and Golden Girls in action as they take on Edward Waters University at 4:00 p.m.

All interested students and their families can register for the event by visiting or contacting the Admissions Office at 601-877-6148.

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“I am elated that we were voted one of the best schools in Mississippi,” said Dr. Shirley Evers-Manly, dean of the Cora S. Balmat School of Nursing at Alcorn. “The most thrilling factor about this acknowledgement is that it is supported by our outstanding faculty, current students and alumni. As Dean of the only HBCU Nursing School in Mississippi, to me, this recognition signifies that we are performing well to prepare our students to succeed as future nurse leaders.”

Each year, RNCareers.org evaluates over 1,700 nursing schools to compile its merit-based rankings. Factors include program accreditation, tuition costs, academic excellence, faculty qualifications, student satisfaction, program offerings, career outcomes, and school reputation.

“91������has long been recognized for its commitment to excellence in nursing education. The institution’s rigorous curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated faculty ensure that nursing students receive the highest quality education and training in California and the nation. Their graduates are well-prepared to make significant contributions to the healthcare profession. This recognition by RNCareers.org underscores the university’s unwavering dedication to preparing its students for successful careers in the healthcare profession,” said Jeff Morrow, Publisher at RNCareers.org.

RNCareers.org is independently managed by a team of nurse educators, nurse practitioners, RNs, and LPNs, and has been a leading, go-to resource for nursing education for more than 12 years. The online resource provides comprehensive information on nursing programs, career pathways, licensing requirements, and job opportunities across the United States. Students can find detailed rankings of nursing schools, advice on how to become a nurse, guides on more than 100 nursing specializations, and a wealth of resources for nursing students and professionals.

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The event was part of the 2nd Annual Doctoral Leadership Conference Gala hosted by the Doctoral Leadership Initiative.

President Cook provided words of encouragement to students pursuing doctoral degrees.

“Completing your doctoral program is about endurance,” said Cook. “If you start it, you must complete it. Once you complete it, you enter an elite group of individuals. Only 2% of the United States population holds a doctoral degree. Completing this task will set the tone for the rest of your journey.”

He reminded the group to begin to focus on their next steps.

“You have to develop relationships early on,” said Cook. “You never know; it may be an opportunity for you later. You are being interviewed daily by how you carry yourself.”

Cook shared a personal story about his grandmother and the importance of paying it forward.

“My grandmother used to cook dinner on Sundays right before we went to church service at 11:00. Dinner used to be finished before 11:00. But on that Monday, she would give the leftovers to the needy. One day, I asked her why she was always feeding all of these people. And her reply was simple. So you can receive the blessings.”

He advised attendees on key characteristics of leadership.

“Be a servant leader. It’s important that you learn how to balance your personal life and your professional life. You have to learn to adapt, adjust, and be flexible to what life will throw at you.”

He continued, “You have to be a lifelong learner. Best practices change each and every day. You’ve got to constantly adapt yourself to what life throws at you. You have to develop mental toughness and manage stress well.”

Other honorees at the event included Dr. Shannon Anderson, curriculum coordinator and professor; Dr. Elaine H. Anthony, former acting president, chair, and full professor, Journalism and Media Studies, Jackson State University; Dr. Ebonee Magee Dorsey, education and supervision, Lawrence County School District; Dr. Tonyatta Hairston, founder and optometrist, EnVision; Dr. Roderick Henderson, superintendent, Brookhaven School District; Dr. Rosie J. Payton, education and leadership consultant, Greenleaf Consulting; Dr. James H. Young III, associate professor of education and dean of Doctoral Studies, Belhaven University; Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace, associate professor and coordinator of Doctoral Education Leadership, Jackson State University.

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Dr. Ursula Brooks-Clemons, an Alcorn alumna and nationally board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, delivered this year’s keynote address. With her extensive experience in medical-surgical nursing, nursing academia, and behavioral healthcare arenas, she highlighted the importance of behavioral health in her speech. Brooks-Clemons is the first African-American psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner in Adams County, Miss.

She received her associate’s degree in nursing, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in nursing education, and Doctor of Nursing Practice from 91����.

Dr. Brooks-Clemons, keynote speaker, and Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president of Alcorn State, after this year’s Pinning and Hooding Ceremony.

During her address, Dr. Brooks-Clemons shared her own journey.

“I remember being in your shoes in the May 2003 pinning ceremony in the Alcorn School of Nursing Auditorium, so we’re upgrading, doing bigger and better things.” She commended the graduates on their dedication and highlighted the significance of pinning as the official transition into the nursing profession. “Nursing is not just a profession; it is a calling,” she added.

She reflected on when she failed a course by two points and sat out of the nursing program for a year. During that time, she thought about her commitment to the field and returned more determined to complete the program.

Future nurses line along the wall during the Florence Nightingale candle lighting.

“I learned that failing is something that does not make you a failure,” she said. “Failure is not final unless you decide to quit. You did not give up, and your persistence has paid off.”

Pointing out the ever-changing nature of the nursing field, Brooks-Clemons elaborated on the need for committed nurses to carry on the legacy of Florence Nightingale.

“We need competent, devoted, and compassionate nurses to carry the Nightingale torch in nursing,” she stated.

She also stressed the importance of patient-centered care and building strong connections with patients.

“It’s not always what you do to your patients, but how you do it. It starts at the bedside,” she explained. “It starts at the bedside. Go into that room, introduce yourself, answer any questions, and identify and acknowledge that patient. Alleviate any fears. Just making that patient feel loved and accepted can make or break that bond.”

Encouraging the graduates to embrace diversity and learn from each other, she urged them to see beyond the illness or injury and embrace the humanity of every individual they encounter.”

Dr. Shirley Evers-Manly, dean of the Cora S. Balmat School of Nursing, presents a slideshow with highlights of nursing faculty and students.

According to the����published in the September/October 2019 issue of the��American Journal of Medical Quality, a shortage of registered nurses is projected to spread across the country through 2030. In this state-by-state analysis, the authors forecast a significant RN shortage in 30 states with the most intense shortage in the Western region of the U.S.

The 91���� Cora S. Balmat School of Nursing’s has grown to meet the needs of the nursing shortage in Mississippi and beyond.

This year’s ceremony served as a reminder of the vital role nurses play in providing compassionate care to patients and concluded with a candle lighting ceremony as a rite of passage in reverence to Florence Nightingale who carried a lit candle when she cared for soldiers in a field hospital.

Honorees at this year’s event include —

Associate of Science in Nursing

Abiyommi Bates, Brookhaven, Miss.

Stefanie Bailey, Gilbert, La.

Dorje’anea Bolian, Mccomb, Miss.

Keyonna Butler, Fayette, Miss.

Chatman, Destiny, Centreville, Miss.

Raven Colton, Natchez, Miss.

Peyton Davidson, Vicksburg, Miss.

Yolunda Davis, Natchez, Miss.

Latavia Doss, Fayette, Miss.

Yelana Ellis, Port Gibson, Miss.

Camryn Flowers, Carthage, Miss.

Bobbie Gallagher, Gilbert, La

Meisheayla Grover, Fayette, Miss.

Chelsea�������������������� Guy, Tylertown, Miss.

Brooklyn Hall, Vidalia, La.

Raqquiya Haynes, Columbia, Miss.

Treasure Holloway, Hazlehurst, Miss.

Tamia Hudson, Philadelphia, Miss.

Alexia Hutchins, Farmhaven, Miss.

Kennadi Johnson, Natchez, Miss.

Jasminique Jones, Hazlehurst, Ms

Alicia Kaho, Fayette, Miss.

Taelor Kapler, McComb, Miss.

Colton Keating, Natchez, Miss.

Gloria King, Fayette, Miss.

Alexis Mckenzie, Natchez, Miss.

Remeshea McMiller, Greenville, Miss.

Andria Mcmurray, Winnsboro, La

Cheyenne Motley, Brookhaven, Miss.

Christine Murray, Monterey, La.

Candi Patton, Brandon, Miss.

Kabrina Rhodes, New Hebron, Miss.

Melissa Rouse, Natchez, Miss.

Sharita Sanders, Zachary, La.

Elizabeth Seals, Natchez, Miss.

Crystianna Summers, Jackson, Miss.

Crystalin Tanner, Hazlehurst, Miss.

Adia Thomas, Milwaukee, Wis.

Tileesha Warner, Vidalia, La.

Shumyel Washington, Tallulah, La.

Hailei Wilson, Fayette, Miss.

Kaitlin White, Natchez, Miss.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Mylala Adams, Jackson, Miss.

Adekola Arilesere, Lagos, Nigeria

Jaudorih Ball, Byram, Miss.

Oriantiss Ball, Belzoni, Miss.

O’koya Barlow, Wesson, Miss.

Justice Baylis, Jackson, Miss.

Tynika�� Conner, Natchez, Miss.

Tiauna Dora, Louisville, Miss.

Kennedi Fitzgerald, Vicksburg, Miss.

Hannah Jenkins, Natchez, Miss.

Raja Johnson, Canton, Miss.

Rayven Jones, Jackson, Miss.

Rayven Leland, Batesville, Miss.

Aretrina Long, Chester, Pa.

Tylah Magee, Vicksburg, Miss.

Dashiah McWilliams, McComb, Miss.

Derricka Moffett, Gulfport, Miss.

Quenjasmine Perrien, Meridian, Miss.

Cailyn Proby, Natchez, Miss.

Dejah Truly, Clarksdale, Miss.

Lena Unga, Sacramento, Calif.

Alexandria Vaughn, Holly Springs, Miss.

Emma Whittington, Vidalia, La.

Haley Williams, Woodville, Miss.

Nia Williams, Memphis, Tenn.

Registered Nurse/Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online

Elizabeth Elliott, Bogue Chitto, Miss.

Daisy Fisher, Woodville, Miss.

Anna Hayes-Ranson, Vicksburg, Miss.

Ebony Hill, Hattiesburg, Miss.

Jameirra Jones, Horn Lake, Miss.

Cordni McDonald, Natchez, Miss.

LaPorshala Payne, Hattiesburg, Miss.

Faith Stampley, Fayette, Miss.

Justiss White, Fayette, Miss.

Emma Warden, Ferriday, La.

Amaya Wiley-Jackson, Jackson, Miss.

Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner

Tawana Greene, Vicksburg, Miss.

Deborah Hughes, Grenada, Miss.

Lakendra McGrew, Olive Branch, Miss.

Samimah Reese, Lexington, Miss.

Lashonda Thomas, Port Gibson, Miss.

Lauren Woodberry, Yazoo City, Miss.

Kimbrely Young, Monroe, La.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Montoyae Leavy, Brookhaven, Miss.

Peter Ojong, Palmer Township, Pa.

Jennifer Williams, Natchez, Miss.

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She recently accepted a position at Merit Health Natchez.

“I decided to accept the job offer from Merit Health Natchez because it has been a lifelong dream of mine to work beside my mother and help bring life into the world,” said Rouse.����

Rouse has long hoped to join the nursing ranks after growing up watching her mom.

“Nursing is my career choice as I grew up watching my mother provide care to others and the joy she had after every shift,” said Rouse.

The Natchez, Miss. native, expressed her happiness and pride about continuing her family’s legacy of working in the nursing profession.

“I have no words to express the joy I feel about working alongside my mother in the place where she began her nursing career, following her footsteps, and beginning my career there,” she said.

Balancing the demands of being a single mother of two children, classes, and working, Rouse persevered to earn her degree in this weekend’s upcoming graduation ceremony.

“Some challenges that I endured during my time at Alcorn included working two jobs and being a full-time student,” said Rouse.��I also juggled the everyday struggles of being a single mother of two children.”

Reflecting on her time at Alcorn, she believes she has the tools needed to succeed in nursing.

“Alcorn has provided me with a well-rounded education��and helped me develop the skills and knowledge��to be successful. My clinicals helped me gain real-world experiences, which I think will help me excel in my new role as a registered nurse.”

Her advice for future Alcorn State nursing students is “to never give up and keep a positive attitude.��The curriculum can be challenging but well worth it!”

“As for my future, I may aspire to getting my master’s degree and coming back to teach prospective nursing students at Alcorn School of Nursing,”��said Rouse.

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This event is free and open to the family and friends of the Class of 2024 and the University community.

“Baccalaureate is an opportunity for Alcorn graduates to express gratitude and praise to God for their victory against great odds,” said Dr. C.J. Rhodes, director of Religious and Spiritual Life and the Hiram Rhodes Revels Institute for Ethical Leadership. “Dr. Kia Conerway, a young preacher and HBCU grad whose leadership impact is felt from Memphis to the White House, will certainly inspire continued God-graced bravery for the Spring Class of 2024.”

Conerway is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, the University of Chicago, and Memphis Theological Seminary.

With nearly two decades of experience shaping strategies for churches, politicians, and non-profits in the South, she has become known for her expertise in fundraising and consulting. She has successfully raised funds for multiple church launches and the three largest churches in the Mid-South.

As founding pastor of the Church at the Well, Conerway has overseen significant growth, enabling nearly $300,000 in mission funding. Her doctoral work, which raised nearly $500,000 in a single weekend, highlights her skills in consulting for health disparity programs.

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Nearly 400 graduates will receive associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees.

“Montell Jordan’s remarkable journey as a musical artist and now pastor is a testament of perseverance and commitment,”��said Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president.��“These are key attributes our graduates will need along their��journey. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Jordan back to the Alcorn campus as he��provides words of encouragement to��our graduates.”

Montell��Jordan��is an author, pastor, Grammy Award-winning artist, and recipient of the 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 1995, along with artists such as Coolio, TLC, and Madonna,��Montell��Jordan’s breakout hit “This Is How We Do It”��was a chart-topping success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles for seven weeks and the R&B charts for eight. Over his nearly twenty-year music career, he produced seven studio albums and 14 singles, ultimately selling over 10 million records worldwide.

As a student at Pepperdine University in Malibu,��Montell��was set to attend law school when a professor told him his biggest regret was missing his chance to pursue music.��Montell��realized,��in a flash, that if he was ever going to get��a chance��to pursue music on the level he wanted, he had to move forward with his dream.��He recorded a demo tape that made its way to Def Jam Records Founder Russell Simmons. “This Is How We Do It”��took off, and the first of many��number one��records was created.

Montell��began to realize the difference between his gift and calling.��He was gifted as a musician, but he was called to minister.��Speaking, teaching, mentoring, counseling, and writing��are ways��Jordan��fulfills his ministry purpose today.��After serving as an executive pastor for Victory Church in Norcross, Ga., for nearly a decade, he now has a marriage ministry with his wife, Kristin, where they assist public marriages��to��heal��in private.��Their ministry, Marriage Masterpeace, is a 501c3.����Montell��and Kristin also pastor a virtual church called Master Peace Church that launched November 6, 2022, and streams live every��Sunday at 11 a.m.��and��6 p.m. EST.

Montell��has written two books – “Becoming Unfamous”��which is��his autobiography, and “This Is How We Do It! Making Your Marriage A Masterpeace”��which he co-authored with his wife, Kristin.��Throughout his musical career,��Montell��had already shown an ability to stretch boundaries of genre and style and uses this same ability to influence, impact, and inspire today.��Montell��brings the word of God and personal experience from the music business to provide a practical and applicable understanding of music and worship��to light.��He still performs on world tours and loves��to bring��the love of Christ outside the��four walls of the church to concert venues all over the world.����Montell��is a Champion Ambassador for Special Olympics North America and a public speaker on��topics related to��diversity, equity, and inclusion.

For more information about the Spring 2024 Commencement ceremonies, please visit alcorn.edu/commencement/.

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Her passion for nursing was ignited after experiencing the loss of her uncle, and she has been dedicated to pursuing a career in healthcare ever since.

“The summer after I graduated high school, my uncle, who was more like a grandfather to me, was dying in the hospital,” said Murray. I walked in and hugged him and kissed him on the forehead, and he asked me if I was going to do all of my patients like that. My high school graduation was the last thing he saw me accomplish here on this earth. Though he may not be here physically to see me, I know that he has been watching and smiling down from heaven.”

Murray, who has been working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for the past decade, made the decision to further her education and become a Registered Nurse (RN). She enrolled in the nursing program at Alcorn and has had a great learning experience.

“My experience in the nursing program at 91���� has been amazing,” said Murray. “I have had a very positive learning experience while here. The instructors are awesome. Dr. Sewell goes above and beyond for her students! I feel that this program is one of the best nursing programs, and it’s right here at home.”

Murray’s dedication and hard work have paid off, as she was chosen as one of the students for the student nurse internship by the faculty in the School of Nursing.

Upon receiving her offer letter from Merit Health Natchez, Murray was “beyond ecstatic.”

Dr. Shirley Evers-Manly, dean of the Cora S. Balmat School of Nursing, noted the value of hiring nursing students while they are still in school.

“After much discussion with the leaders at Merit Health, they have found value in hiring our nursing students while they are still in school. The students hired to work as student nurse interns will have a better transition from student nurse to nurse. Although we do not want our students to work while they are in nursing school, many of them must continue to work to maintain their family and household responsibilities.”

The opportunity to work as a student nurse intern aligns with her passion for nursing. Murray is excited to graduate from the RN program in May and begin her journey as a Registered Nurse.

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Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes to maximize their employment and networking opportunities.

This year’s event features over 60 employers and graduate and professional schools. A listing can be found below.

For more information about the Spring Graduate and Professional Career Expo, contact Career Services at 601.877.6257.

Employers and Graduate and Professional Schools

Cargill

Entergy

HII – Ingalls Shipbuilding division

Army Healthcare – Mid-West/South Region

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Mississippi College Office of Graduate and Professional Studies

Southern University Law Center

Wayne-Sanderson Farms

CenterPoint Energy

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District

Hormel Foods Corporation

Tangipahoa Parish School System

Rankin County School District

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Youth Villages

Houston Independent School District

Simpson County School District

Birmingham City Schools

Jefferson Parish Schools (Louisiana)

Wayne State University

Federal Bureau of Prisons

Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services

Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice

Hibbett Retail, Inc.

Mississippi Department of Revenue

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi

Uniformed Services University F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine

Enterprise Mobility

Brown Bottling Group

North Panola School District

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality

Howard Industries

Grandview C-4 School District

Antioch University

Ole Miss Business School

Marion County Public Schools

University of Mississippi-School of Pharmacy

United States Secret Service

Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services

East Baton Rouge Parish School System

Peace Corps

Concordia Parish School Board

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

WM – Waste Management

Mississippi College School of Law

Manhattan Strategy Group

Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

Jefferson County Hospital and Behavioral Health

Else School of Management @ Millsaps College

Eisner Amper

Mississippi Department of Transportation

John D. Bower School of Population Health | University of Mississippi Medical Center

The University of Mississippi Graduate School

City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge

Arkansas Tech University Graduate College

Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine

U.S. Navy

East Tallahatchie School District

Penn Entertainment

Sherman College of Chiropractic

Delta State University Office of Graduate & Continuing Education

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

RePublic Schools

Cooperative Energy

Mississippi State Department of Health

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hattiesburg Public School District

Mississippi State University Extension

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