Alcorn State University seniors Laila Barnes and Jaharon Griffin were recently selected as 2025-2026 Mississippi Collegiate Scholarship recipients by the Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association (MAMA), recognizing their academic excellence and commitment to careers in the automotive manufacturing industry.
The two students are among 15 total recipients from community colleges and universities across the state, securing scholarships designed to support the development of a highly skilled Mississippi workforce for one of the state’s fastest-growing industries. The scholarships have surpassed $470,000 awarded since 2006, supporting students in technical, engineering, and non-traditional disciplines applicable to the evolving automotive sector. Laila Barnes, a first-generation college student, was designated a 2025-2026 Sean Suggs Scholar, a special recognition from the past Toyota Mississippi President and MAMA Board Member.
The Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association was established to serve as a platform for collaboration among automotive manufacturing companies in Mississippi. The organization serves its members by promoting the growth, development, and improvement of the automotive industry.
“MAMA is proud to play a role in strengthening Mississippi’s workforce by supporting students who are passionate about innovation and excellence in our industry,” said Skip Scaggs, President of MAMA. “Mississippi offers a strong foundation for advanced manufacturing, and our state’s higher education institutions have made strategic investments to ensure the continued development of a highly skilled talent pool.”
Barnes, a senior double-majoring in electromechanical and biomedical engineering technology from Hattiesburg, Miss., envisions a career as a manufacturing or systems integration technician, applying her technical knowledge to improve assembly efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure quality in electric vehicle (EV) production.
Barnes is grateful for the support. She sees the opportunity as a major step towards her career goals.
“I am so honored, blessed, and grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of the MAMA scholarship,” Barnes said. “This scholarship not only helps alleviate the financial burden of my studies but also motivates me to continue to persevere. It reminds me to make the most of every opportunity. A special thank you to Mr. Sean Suggs, Ms. Lacy Luckett, and the MAMA scholarship committee for your kindness, support, and belief in me. Thank you for investing in my future and giving me the confidence never to give up.”
Jaharon Griffin, a senior majoring in agricultural business management from Neshoba, Miss., explained his path to a career in manufacturing.
“While I am majoring in Agricultural Business Management, I’ve never viewed my path as limited to one industry. In fact, agriculture and automotive manufacturing share deep, evolving connections,” Griffin stated. “With this degree, I aim to bridge those industries, applying business strategy, sustainability practices, and data-driven decision-making to roles within automotive manufacturing.” Griffin, a linebacker on the ASU Braves football team, is active with his fraternity and was a Hall of Fame inductee, president of Leadership Neshoba, and an All-Star football player at Neshoba Central High School.
“Laila and Jaharon exemplify the academic excellence and leadership we cultivate at Alcorn,” said Dr. Joyce Buckner-Brown, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Their selection for the MAMA Scholarship affirms the strength of our mentorship culture and the high standards our students consistently meet. We are proud of their accomplishments and confident in the contributions they will make to the future of advanced manufacturing.”
