Mississippi Power VP inducted into MGCCC Alumni Hall of Fame

Mississippi Power’s Vice President of External Affairs and Shared Services Billy Thornton was inducted into Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Alumni Hall of Fame this weekend.

Thornton attended the school’s Jefferson Davis campus in Biloxi in the late 1970s before attending and graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi.

“During my senior year at Long Beach High School, I realized that attending MGCCC was going to be a better move for me in the long run than going straight to a four-year school,” Thornton said. “At JD, I gained the maturity, from both an academic and personal standpoint, to move forward with my education. I’m honored that Dr. Mary Graham and the MGCCC family would consider me for this recognition.”

Thornton was an active member of the campus community while at MGCCC. He was elected Freshman Class President and Student Body President his sophomore year. He also graduated with honors and was elected Mr. JD his sophomore year.

“Politics has always been a passion of mine, from my time in high school through today,” Thornton said. “I was able to work in student leadership positions at JD and begin using skills that I’ve carried with me during my career at Mississippi. Power. Most importantly, I met my wife Sylvia while I was at JD, and to be by her side this weekend was very special.”

Thornton was recognized Friday evening at the Hall of Fame banquet at the IP Casino Resort in Biloxi, and at halftime of Saturday’s homecoming football game against Southwest Mississippi Community College.

“It was a great weekend with our friends from MGCCC,” Thornton said. “They’re one of our great workforce development partners because they’re committed to equipping tomorrow’s workers with the best skills, equipment and experiences possible.”

“Billy Thornton has always made a positive contribution to his community,” said MGCCC president Dr. Mary Graham. “We are honored to induct him into our Alumni Hall of Fame. Mississippi Power has been a long-standing and valuable partner with MGCCC, providing training and employment opportunities to so many in South Mississippi. We are proud to recognize Billy for his work at Mississippi Power as he continues to contribute to the success of the college, the community and the entire state of Mississippi.”

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 188,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. With nearly 160 megawatts of approved solar energy capacity, Mississippi Power is the largest partner in providing renewable energy in the state of Mississippi. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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