First Black Miss MSU Gives Back After Exceptional Career in Higher Education
Donors
Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton (鈥�69, 鈥�71)
Gift
Major contribution to the Jerry Sue and John Barlow Sue Minority Scholarship, which she originally established in 2008
Impact
Dr. Thornton鈥檚 recent generous gifts to supplement the funds in this scholarship will benefit countless Murray State students for years to come. By making significantly more scholarship dollars available through her recent gift completed in 2024, Dr. Thornton will help Murray State keep its promise to make an education affordable for all qualified students.
Inspiration
Dr. Thornton and her brother John Barlow both were first-generation students at Murray State University. Sadly, Dr. Thornton鈥檚 brother died suddenly from a brain aneurysm while he was still a business student. Dr. Thornton earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree from Murray State in 1969, when she was also voted by her fellow students as Murray State鈥檚 first black Miss MSU. Dr. Thornton has had a groundbreaking and accomplished career including a 20-year tenure as President of Cuyahoga Community College, where she was celebrated for transforming the college into a leader in educational innovation, workforce training and economic development. She currently serves as president and CEO of DreamCatcher Educational Consulting. She has been recognized with countless awards, including four honorary doctorates. She also served for a decade on 麻豆视频官网入口鈥檚 Board of Regents and co-chaired the Be Bold: Forever Blue and Gold National Campaign Council. Dr. Thornton originally created her scholarship to memorialize her brother鈥檚 determination and spirit, and her appreciation for her wonderful experience at Murray State inspires her to continue to give back to her alma mater.