Larry D. Thornton Sr., who helped integrate Montgomery's public schools, is AUM's new executive in residence, and his leadership nonprofit is opening a campus office.

A businessman who grew up in segregated Montgomery is bringing his leadership nonprofit home.

Larry D. Thornton Sr. has been invited to serve as executive in residence at the Auburn University at Montgomery College of Business. The university announced the appointment Oct. 19. With it, the Why Not Win Institute, which he co-founded and chairs, is opening an office on campus.

AUM said the role recognizes his success in business. The office is on the second floor of Clement Hall, home of the College of Business. AUM set an open house and ribbon-cutting there for Oct. 20.

Who Larry Thornton is

According to AUM:

  • He grew up in Montgomery and helped integrate the city’s public schools as a child.
  • He became Birmingham’s first Black McDonald’s franchise owner, and now owns several McDonald’s restaurants through Thornton Enterprises Inc.
  • He has served on several corporate and civic boards.
  • He was inducted into the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham’s Business Hall of Fame this year.
  • He is an artist whose work is held in the collections of Oprah Winfrey and Condoleezza Rice.

His 2019 autobiography, “Why Not Win?”, was published by the University of Georgia Press. It sets out three principles: people, perception and perseverance. Those became the basis of the institute.

“Montgomery is where I first learned what it takes to win,” Thornton said in the university’s announcement. “Serving at AUM gives me the chance to invest in students in the city that shaped me.”

What the institute does

The Why Not Win Institute is a nonprofit that teaches leadership, career readiness and personal growth. AUM said it works with everyone from elementary school students to working professionals. It has given presentations at colleges and schools across Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, and it trains corporate clients.

AUM said the institute is developing these programs:

  • a college readiness experience
  • business fundamentals training
  • one-on-one career guidance from working professionals
  • personal branding workshops

The partnership is already running. The institute and the College of Business launched the College Immersion Experience in September. It is a college readiness program for high school students.

Daewoo Park, dean of the College of Business, said in the announcement that the partners are “helping students unlock their potential and preparing them to pursue their aspirations with confidence, purpose, and the skills needed for lifelong success.”

What it means for you

  • The office gives the institute a base in the River Region. AUM said it lets the institute reach more students, educators and professionals from Montgomery.
  • High school families can ask about the College Immersion Experience. It is the first program the two partners have run together. AUM’s main line is 334-244-3000.
  • Plans for 2026-27 are still being set. AUM said guests at the open house would hear the institute’s plans for the academic year. Details have not been published yet; the institute’s website is the place to watch.

For more on schools across the city, see our guide to Montgomery Public Schools.