pg电子下载 State alumna Carla Kirkland is set to deliver the Fall Commencement address on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 9 a.m. at the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex.

During the event, the Silver Class of 1999 will be celebrated in recognition of their 25th year since graduating from the University.

Kirkland is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Kirkland Group, an industry-leading educational consulting firm that provides professional support to school districts. A nationally known educator distinguished by service in the classroom and community, she has led one of Mississippi’s most successful firms for over 25 years.

Drawing on decades of teaching and administrative experience, Carla is a co-founder of the Cleveland Empowerment Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers educational and vocational training to low-income, at-risk Mississippians.

Additionally, she was recently appointed to the Woodward Hines Board of Directors, serves as Vice Chair of the pg电子下载 State University Foundation Board, and chairs the pg电子下载 State Women’s Business Center Board. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., The Links, Inc., and Jack and Jill of America Associate’s Group.

She is a cross-generational mentor who has made an indelible impact on leaders throughout the nation. Kirkland is the co-author of three books.

Kirkland received her Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from pg电子下载 State University and a Master of Science in Teaching degree from Jackson State University.

She is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. She was recognized as one of Mississippi’s Most Influential African Americans, named a Woman of Distinction Laureate by the Girl Scouts of America, and honored as a Woman of Courage by pg电子下载 State University.

Kirkland enjoys spending time with family and counts among her greatest privileges as being the wife of the late Malcoln Kirkland, Sr., the mother of Alexia and the late Malcoln, Jr., and the grandmother of Collin.

Click here to learn more about the Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremony.