Symone Bounds, of Flowood, is the 2021 recipient of the Outstanding Recent Graduate Award from the Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association. The honor recognizes recent graduates for outstanding service and contributions in their professions and to The W within 15 years following graduation.
“Symone has served the alumni association in so many ways since graduating, including her service on the MUWAA Board, a founding member of the Social Alumni Organization Council, a strong advocate within the Black Alumni of MUW group,” said Rebecca Rogers, MUWAA President. “She is such an incredible role model not only for new and recent graduates, but for all of us who look to serve The W.”
Bounds currently serves as the Diversity and Inclusion chair of the MUWAA. Her alumni service also extends to the Jackson Metro MUWAA Chapter, where she is a past president, the Jester Social Club Alumni Association secretary and co-chair of the Student Alumni Organization Council’s Black Alumni Consistency Group.
During her time as a student, Bounds was active in the Jester Social Club, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Delta Mu Delta Accounting Honorary and Aristos and Lantern honor societies. She excelled as an Ina E. Gordy Residential Honor Student, a Centennial Scholar and Cellular South Accounting Department Scholarship Recipient. In 2012, she was named Miss Mississippi University for Women.
After graduating from The W in 2012 with a degree in legal studies, she earned a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Mississippi State University. Bounds is now working toward her doctorate.
“I have gained so much from each opportunity that the University has given me, whether it’s been a relationship, professional growth, learning or even a smile,” said Bounds. “This award will allow me to continue to connect with other young alumni on a deeper level and show others how we can do our part to make a difference.”
Bounds is the University of Mississippi Medical Center Operations Manager for the Contracts Department while also working toward her doctorate. she served the Mississippi Association of Government Purchasing and Property Agents as president and currently is the conference chair. She is a member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing and the National Association of Purchasing Card Professionals, where she is a member of the Government/K12 Advisory Board.
In addition to this recent honor by the MUWAA, Bounds received the Roy Saye Award from the Mississippi Association of Governmental Purchasing and Property Agents and was named Property Agent of the Year in 2016. In 2020, she served the Jackson Free Press as a Young Influential adviser and guide.
As a member of the Pike County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Bounds is a Salvation Army bell ringer and volunteers in the Adopt A Highway program. She is also a provisional member of the Junior League of Jackson.
For more information, visit the Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association website at https://longblueline.muw.edu.
