By LaTunya Evans, Communications Specialist
Itta Bena, Miss. — After four years of balancing her books and business while building her future, Student Government Association (SGA) President Jouri Thornton will be graduating on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 8 a.m. in the R. W. Harrison Complex. Following graduation, the Accounting and Business Administration graduate will gain hands-on experience as the 2026 Distribution Center Intern with the Dollar General Distribution Center in Indianola, Mississippi.
An inquisitive student, Thornton possessed a knack for numbers and money since an early age. Recognizing her strengths, she chose Business Administration as her undergraduate major, a decision that would shape her future academic and career path.
“I have always liked numbers. I do like to read, and I am a decent writer, but those were not my passions. I did not like blood or science very much, so I avoided the medical field and considered Business Administration,” she said.
With her major secured, Thornton’s next step was choosing the right college. During a recruiting and preview event at Murray High School in Jackson, Mississippi, she engaged in conversation with a (MVSU) recruiter who was very helpful and informative.
“When deciding on a college, I planned to attend a school that was in-state with affordable tuition and where I would receive scholarship money. After speaking with an MVSU recruiter, I learned that Valley was exactly what I was looking for, so I chose to attend,” explained Thornton.
After an informative discussion, Thornton applied and was accepted with an academic scholarship. Excited to embark on her new journey, she auditioned for the MVSU choir, hoping to apply her performance skills at the collegiate level.
Inspired by her aunt, Dazhia Stewart, Thornton played the violin, beginning in the second grade. After a year of playing, she auditioned for the Academic Performing Arts Complex (APAC) Program, where she was accepted into the elementary division.
Throughout grade school, Thornton remained committed to APAC, gaining valuable performing skills, including sight singing, and violin and viola playing. Applying her performance skills to her audition, she was accepted into the MVSU Choir with a scholarship.
In August 2022, she began her journey at MVSU. A natural in her major, Thornton performed well in her studies, which influenced her to add Accounting as a second major.
Despite her reserved nature, she fully immersed herself in campus life through various leadership capacities, including the MVSU Campus Ambassadors for the Thurgood Marshall Fund and the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, Inc. (SFEPD) Program. Proud of her positive impact on the campus community and herself, Thornton sought a higher position of leadership.
In Spring 2025, she ran for the position of SGA President for the 2025 - 2026 academic school year, where she planned to become a liaison between the faculty, staff, students, and alumni. With faith and determination, she won.
Flattered, Thornton remained committed to her position, quickly assimilating and becoming the voice for the student body. Working tirelessly to fulfill her campaign commitments, Thornton found herself operating at full capacity. This realization allowed her to give other SGA members the opportunity to complete important tasks.
“This position made me realize that I am only one person, and I cannot do everything alone. I have to step back and allow myself to depend on and trust others to do their jobs,” explained Thornton.
Through the many challenges, Thornton remained focused on the moments that made her journey worthwhile.
“I know when things go wrong, I am the more accessible person to blame and voice opinions to. I knew that came with the job, so I have had to remain positive and consider my composure and responses,” said Thornton.
“Through it all, the most rewarding part of my position has been the different students who come to me to show gratitude. Things are not always great, so when I receive a ‘thank you,’ it makes me feel like I am doing well,” she said passionately.
A visible campus leader and voice for the students, Thornton diligently improved her advocacy and communications skills. Having achieved her goal of becoming SGA President, she had a final goal to complete before graduating.
As a young girl, Thornton participated in numerous Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. organized youth mentor groups, including the Pearlettes. Participating in the organizations gave her firsthand experience in sorority life and sisterhood.
“I only have brothers, so when I was a part of the different auxiliaries of Zeta, it allowed me to have that experience of having sisters and connecting with different girls and women,” explained Thornton.
Because of that experience, Thornton was thrilled to join the sorority during her time at MVSU, but the chapter was not active during her freshman through junior years. That all changed during the fall of 2025, when Thornton noticed small adjustments on campus.
“Every year, I would hear around campus that the Zetas were returning, but when the spring came, they were not there. One day, I rode by and saw the letters back on the plot and called my mom to inform her. Before I could complete my sentence, she was informing me of the same information. We both were so excited,” Thornton said as she smiled.
For Thornton and her family, joining the organization continued their family’s legacy. While pregnant with Thornton, her mom, Traci Stewart, joined the sorority at Tougaloo College in Jackson, MS. Carrying her legacy in her stomach through her process, Stewart eagerly anticipated the day her only daughter would become her soror.
On Sunday, April 12, 2026, that dream became reality. A proud new member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Thornton was overjoyed with emotion, experiencing a precious moment with her mom. Completing her final collegiate goal, all of her milestones were accomplished before graduation.
Now a more confident woman, Thornton plans to allow her authenticity, resilience, and teachableness to aid her during her internship.
While at the Dollar General Distribution Center, Thornton will continue to build her operational skills, supplementing her career goals of becoming a Human Resources Specialist. She plans to learn more about supply chain management, which is a key component in the functioning of many HR Departments.
Thornton points to her friends, choir family, and the MVSU faculty and staff for being a beacon of light during her demanding journey. She also credits her parents and family for their unwavering support and encouragement.
“My parents have been so amazing through everything. No matter what I decide to do, they support me every step of the way, and I love and appreciate them both for that,” Thornton said emotionally.
As she reflects on her time at MVSU, she has one piece of advice for students struggling with confidence.
“The opportunities are always out there and available. You have to find them and apply. Do not let being in your comfort zone or your shyness keep you from applying for opportunities. Apply. Just do it.”