Alcorn State University held its spring 2025 Commencement activities today, honoring nearly 450 graduates in two ceremonies at the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex.
The 9 a.m. ceremony recognized graduates from the Golden Class of 1975, the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Graduate Studies, and the School of Nursing. The 1 p.m. ceremony celebrated graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Education and Psychology.
Dr. Tracy M. Cook, 21st president of Alcorn State University, greeted attendees and honored guests. “I welcome you to a place where the air is cleaner; the grass is greener; and the water is just a little bit sweeter,” said Cook. “It’s a great day to be a Brave.”
Over 130 members of the Class of 1975, commemorated the 50th anniversary of their graduation.
They were greeted with applause and acknowledged for the legacy they represent for current and future Alcornites. Additionally, the Golden Class raised over $150,000 for their endowment at Alcorn.
Mississippi State Representative Gregory Holloway Sr., an alumnus of the university, delivered the keynote address, encouraging graduates to embrace faith, family, hard work, and their alma mater.
Holloway, who represents District 76, shared five points of wisdom with the graduating class.
He stressed the importance of putting God first, cherishing family and choosing friends wisely, valuing their job and education, supporting Alcorn State University, and being a good citizen.
“Remember that with God all things are possible,” Holloway told the graduates. “Couple your education with common sense. Love your beloved Alcorn, adore her, cherish her, defend her, fight for her, and be willing to die for her.”
During the ceremonies, the university bestowed highly coveted honors upon two Alcornites.
Vicksburg, Miss. native Destiny Mayfield, a senior biology pre-medicine major, received the Student Award of Excellence.
Carla Kirkland, vice chair of the Alcorn State University Foundation, presented her with a plaque and a $5,000 stipend.
Mayfield is a member of Alpha Chi Sigma Chemistry Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Mu Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the Mortar Board Honor Society. She plans to become a surgeon.
This honor recognizes a student for their contributions and achievements in scholarship, demonstrated leadership, participation in extracurricular activities, and record of community and public service.
The 2025 Student Award of Excellence was a collaboration between the ASU Foundation, Inc., and the Myrlie Evers Williams Honors Program. Destiny was chosen by the interview committee as embodying the values of perseverance while making a positive impact.
Dr. Fred Earl Kency Jr., a board-certified emergency physician and Alcorn State alumnus, was honored as the Alcornite of the Year. Kency, who graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in biology, is passionate about men’s health and mentoring.
The Jackson, Miss. native is a community emergency physician at Baptist Hospital in Jackson and an assistant professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. In 2022, Kency opened his clinic in Ridgeland.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Kency is actively involved in several community and professional organizations — Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., serving as the District of Mississippi chief of staff and Rho Xi Lambda Chapter president. He also holds membership in the 100 Black Men of Jackson, and the NAACP.
Professionally, Kency serves as a board member at the national and state levels of two of the largest medical organizations for emergency medicine physicians — the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, where he serves on the national board of directors.
The Alcornite of the Year award is presented to a prominent alumnus who has achieved distinction through their exceptional contribution to Alcorn’s international, national, and community welfare.
“Alcornites, we’re a rare breed,” Holloway stated. “We are proud, we are loyal, we are persistent, yet humble. We are good followers, but great leaders. We don’t just build on legacies, we create them.”
Holloway received Alcorn State University’s highest honors, a Doctor of Humane Letters, during this year’s ceremony.
