From the flatlands of the Mississippi Delta to the metropolitan city of Brandon, Miss.,

Kierra Thomas still maintains her southern roots as a country girl. Thomas was born

and raised in Cleveland, Miss. on April 27 to the late Gregory Thomas and Sandra

Thomas-Herring. She was welcomed home by 2 older sisters.

Searching for more opportunities, her family moved to Brandon, Miss. in 2006. She

attended Northwest Rankin High School where she developed a strong interest in

graphic and web design, art and photography. Thomas graduated with top honors in

high school in 2008. Her fascination with the arts easily influenced her decision to

pursue a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design at the University of

Southern Mississippi.

In Summer 2010, Thomas completed an internship at The Cirlot Agency in Flowood,

Miss., where she gained valuable hands-on experience working closely with talented

professionals, interacting with clients, designing and creating her own graphics. She

also began working as the student graphic designer at the Learning Enhancement Center in September 2011 at USM and did freelance work in the Hattiesburg and Jackson community in-between school and work. Learning more about marketing, branding and how they both tie into graphic design, Thomas decided to minor in Advertising to expand her creative skills in hopes of becoming more marketable for employment after college. These experiences solidified her desire of becoming a Graphic Designer/Art Director and pursuing her love for the creative arts.

Thomas graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2013 and two months later, was hired at Jackson State University in the Department of Student Publications as a Graphic Designer. Thomas’ responsibilities includes but not limited to, layout/design for JSU’s student newspaper, The Blue & White Flash, eXperience Magazine, manager for all social media outlets, update and maintain website updates and more. She uses this time to bond and mentor students who are not only interested in graphic design but express the importance of gaining experience and the importance of building their resume. Under her leadership, The Blue & White Flash newspaper won many accolades such as best advertising design, best front page, and best website against surrounding and out-of-state universities as well.

To strengthen her connection between her graphic design and advertising/marketing experience, Thomas decided to enroll into the Master’s program in the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Jackson State University.

Outside of work and school, Thomas believes in giving back to the community and those less fortunate.  To further these endeavors, Thomas is a part of a community service based community group called My Sista’s Keeper. MSK was created to empower African American women through sisterhood, self-esteem and service. During Thomas’ time with MSK, she helped contribute to many civic endeavors, including adopting a needy family of four for Christmas, participating in Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness walk/run, fundraisers, and much more.

When Thomas’ eyes and fingers aren’t glued to the computer, she enjoys the art of relaxing. You can either find her taking a bike ride on the reservoir, traveling around the world with friends, spending time with her close knit family or eating mass quantities of peanut M&Ms. She credits her strong faith in God as the source of her peace, strength and happiness and without Him, she would not be able to achieve the accomplishments she’s achieve thus far.

[Philippians 4:13]