(JACKSON, Miss.) – The Great Southern Region Black McDonald’s Operators Association has made a financial contribution to boost scholarships at Jackson State University as the group continues to build a stronger relationship with JSU and other HBCUs.
The association held a meeting at the Mississippi e-Center @Jackson State University on Tuesday. David Hoard, vice president of Institutional Advancement at JSU, was presented a $1,000 check for scholarships. Hoard said the donation will help offset expenses for students who want to continue their education.
Al Joyner, president of My Joy, Inc., which operates 21 McDonald’s restaurants in Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties, said the association wants to reach out to students because the restaurants often hire graduates for management positions.
“I have a great relationship with Jackson State. One of the attractions for coming to Jackson was the university. The student body is powerful. A lot of students and graduates have come to work for us. My Joy has 1,200 employees,” Joyner said.
William McHenry, Ph.D., executive director of the Mississippi e-Center, said several organizations have held meetings, workshops and other functions at the facility.
“We have a high-tech meeting facility. We can easily videotape meetings to participants around the country. JSUTV, located at the e-Center, can capture video and air it on the network. We offer innovation and technology,” McHenry said. “McDonald’s interest is especially important because their restaurants are located in numerous communities that are home to HBCUs.”
Joyner said his company currently has numerous job openings in management and he’d like for JSU graduates to apply.
Joyner is the brother of radio personality, Tom Joyner, whose foundation has contributed over $65 million to historically black colleges and universities nationwide since it was founded in 1998.