Alcorn State University students attended the annual Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Leadership Institute

LORMAN, Miss. (Alcorn) — Seven Alcorn State University students attended the annual Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C., from Sept. 21-25.

The four-day conference equipped student leaders with skills through interactive sessions and simulations led by Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, setting them on a path to career success.

The students, Jermerious Lofton, a senior mathematics major from Pascagoula, Miss.; Azarianne Johnson, a senior mass communications major from Minden, La.; Brionna Evans, a junior business administration major from Gulfport, Miss.; Kenaysia Stanton, a junior mass communications major from Pascagoula, Miss.; Alaila Muhammad, a junior agriculture business major from Memphis, Tenn.; Jaidon Shelby-Raymond, a senior psychology major from Gulfport, Miss. And Antoine Johnson, a junior computer networking major from Clinton, Miss., were selected to represent Alcorn State University at the national conference.

TMCF, known for its scholarship program, is an organization that actively works to remove barriers to employment through career paths and education for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The students were well-prepared to engage at the event, thanks to the support and guidance of Alcorn Career Services Specialist Rhoshunda Ellis. She emphasized the value of professional development and representation at national conferences.

“As a campus coordinator, I confidently say that the Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute offers a truly unique chance for students to network, collaborate with their peers, demonstrate their professional skills, and discover new ways to grow,” said Ellis. “Words hardly capture how effective this experience is or how much students are transformed by it.”

Azarianne Johnson, who attended last year’s conference, returned this year as a campus ambassador and said her previous experience made this year even more impactful.

“The chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals from similar backgrounds was motivating, driving me to return this year with a sense of purpose,” said Johnson. “The skills I gained during the program have contributed to my career advancement, as I’ve received three job offers so far.”

The students gained exposure to employers offering educational opportunities, internships, and careers, as well as networking with professionals and students from various institutions. Some students participated in specialized corporate training sessions before the conference.

According to Muhammad, attending the institute was life-changing. “It opened doors that I never imagined, provided the chance to interview for amazing internships, and helped me connect with a company that I’ve always wanted to work for,” she said. “The leadership lessons and inspiration from the speakers are things I will carry with me daily.”

The TMCF Leadership Institute boosts students’ confidence and fosters connections in their career fields. Their participation demonstrates Alcorn State University’s commitment to academic growth, excellence, and mentorship.