In a commencement address that blended personal reflection with years of experience and wisdom, Alcorn State University alumna Carla Kirkland returned to her alma mater to plant seeds of inspiration in the minds of the Fall 2024 graduating class.

Additionally, over 20 members of the Silver Class of 1999 celebrated their 25 year milestone.

The ceremony was also the first presentation of Alcorn’s Student Award of Excellence during a Fall Commencement Ceremony, which went to Amber Jones, an agribusiness management major from Columbus, Miss.

She was selected by a panel of four committee members. The committee noted that “Jones is a positive representative of the university and represents the best values of Alcorn State University.”

Jones graduated with a grade point average of 3.95.

An active member of several student organizations, she participated in the Khem Klub, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, National Society of Leadership and Success, Minorities in Agricultural and Natural Resource Related Sciences (MANRRS), Girls Coalition, Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program, and Adopt-a-Freshman.

Jones was presented with a plaque and a $1,500 stipend from the Alcorn State University Foundation, Inc. during today’s ceremony.

Standing before a crowd of over 200 expectant graduates, Kirkland shared her own journey from a first-generation college student to the founder and CEO of The Kirkland Group, an industry-leading educational consulting firm.

Her message was clear and compelling — success is not about immediate gratification, but about nurturing one’s dreams with patience and persistence.

“I did not land a high-paying job immediately after graduation,” Kirkland candidly told the students. “But what I did know was that I was destined for something much greater than I could have ever imagined.”

Drawing from her career path, Kirkland offered a metaphorical roadmap for success, comparing personal growth to cultivating a seed.

During her speech, she outlined four key principles — water your dreams with consistent effort, understand the conditions necessary for growth, breathe life into your aspirations, and continuously reassess your path.

Her own story embodied these principles.

After graduating with a mathematics degree, Kirkland took modest jobs while persistently searching for opportunities.

Her determination led her to found a successful education consulting firm and become actively involved in the community through several organizations, such as the Woodward Hines Board of Directors, Alcorn State University Foundation Board, and Alcorn State Women’s Business Center Board.

She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., The Links, Inc., and Jack and Jill of America Associate’s Group.

In a gesture that perfectly highlighted her message of giving back, Kirkland donated $50,000 to the Alcorn State University Foundation to support graduating seniors facing financial challenges in completing their studies.

Kirkland reminded the graduates of a powerful biblical passage. “Do not despise small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

Her words held a simple yet profound truth – every great achievement starts with a single seed of potential.

After her commencement address, Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president of Alcorn State, presented Kirkland with the Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

In his closing remarks, President Cook charged the graduates to “stay focused, be great, remember the people who supported you, give back and don’t forget your beloved Alcorn State University.