Thornton receives Award of Excellence at MC Homecoming
Special to The Clinton Courier
Percy Thornton of Clinton, CEO of Southern States Utility Trailers in Richland and CEO of H and P Trailer Leasing in Flowood, recently received the Award of Excellence from Mississippi College during the annual Homecoming Brunch.
The award, presented by the National Alumni Association, honors men and women who have rendered distinguished service to Mississippi College. The honor is limited to those who, through a long period of years, have worked with marked intelligence and success to promote the highest interests of the University.
Dr. Jim Turcotte, executive director of alumni affairs at MC, said the award is unique in that it is presented to non-alumni who have nevertheless made a significant impact on Mississippi College and the community.
Thornton is a member of the MC Board of Trustees. His daughter and son-in-law both graduated from Mississippi College.
He said his involvement with the Christian University began several years when Chad Phillips, associate director for alumni and parent engagement, introduced him to Dr. Marcelo Eduardo, dean of the MC School of Business, who asked him to speak at an Ethics Week presentation. Thornton became familiar with Dr. Lee Royce, former MC president, who invited him to sit on the Board of Trustees.
Thornton has more than four decades of experience in the semi-trailer business. He began as a salesman for Nabors Trailers and, after four years, became a trailer sales manager for Rebel Truck Sales. He and two partners purchased the trailer division from Rebel Truck Sales and formed Southern States Utility.
Southern States added operations in Olive Branch; Monroe, Louisiana; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Thornton said his support of Mississippi College through the years has been personally fulfilling.
