MVSU President Jerryl Briggs, Sr. recognizes Javid Ibrahimov, a Computer Science major, and Shelby Barnard, a Business Administration major, for achieving the highest GPAs in their respective classes during the Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony.
During the ceremony, the university conferred degrees to 68 undergraduate and 16 graduate students. President Jerryl Briggs, Sr. highlighted academic excellence by recognizing two exceptional graduates—Javid Ibrahimov, a Computer Science major, and Shelby Barnard, a Business Administration major—for achieving the highest GPAs in their respective classes.
Brownlow, a native of Blackhawk, Miss., and Associate Editor at Fractured Lit, inspired graduates to tap into their inner strength and channel their power toward the collective good. She urged them to embrace the ability to transform their big dreams into manageable steps, encouraging them to take life daily to overcome challenges and achieve their goals steadily.
"You have the power to be seekers of justice because it's not just about you but all of us," Brownlow said. "You cannot let jealousy and envy rot away at us. You have the power to win the ongoing war within yourselves. Don't let the fear of the temporary sway you," she said.
In her address, Brownlow drew on the symbolism of MVSU's green and white colors, connecting them to the graduates' journey. "In history and art, green represents God's love for humanity, hope, and growth, while white symbolizes purity and new beginnings," she explained. "Together, they remind us that the Valley is evergreen and everlasting—and as graduates, so are you. Ever-growing, everlasting, and powerful."
Brownlow challenged graduates to embrace their roles as creators of a better future. "What will you create to live on in the future—for a person, a home, or a community?" she asked. "You can make or break an individual. Use your power wisely and compassionately to build something lasting."
Brownlow has been featured as an accomplished author in Electric Lit, West Branch, Denver Quarterly, CRAFT, and many other esteemed publications. Her literary achievements include Best Microfiction 2021 and 2022 selections, a Wigleaf Top 50 honor, and a notable mention in Best American Essays 2024. She is the author of Look at All the Little Hurts of These Newly-Broken Lives and The Bittersweet, Sweet and Bitter Loves and the essay collection I'm Afraid That I Know Too Much About Myself Now..., a Mississippi Top Ten Reads pick in 2023.
As the ceremony concluded, Brownlow's words resonated deeply. "You are evergreen, everlasting, and powerful," she said. "Never forget the power you hold to create change, to seek justice, and to overcome the challenges within and around you."
Mississippi Valley State University's Fall 2024 Commencement celebrated not just the achievements of its graduates but also their potential to lead with purpose, unity, and the enduring values of the Valley.