Generosity Fuels MC’s Leadership in AI
Through a transformational $1 million investment, business leaders John and Mary Brock are helping Mississippi College lead the future of responsible AI education and workforce development.
For more than a generation, John and Mary Brock, one of the business world’s most
accomplished power couples, have invested deeply in Mississippi College, guided by a shared
belief that education transforms lives and strengthens communities. Their generosity has
touched countless students, from spending time with future leaders in the MC School of
Business to establishing endowed scholarships for music students. Their impact on MC has
been both meaningful and lasting.
The Brocks’ connection to MC runs deep: their grandparents, parents and numerous extended
family members are proud graduates of the University. The Brocks’ commitment reflects a
legacy of faith in MC’s mission and future.
Now, their extraordinary generosity is launching MC into a bold new chapter.
With a $1 million gift to establish endowed professorships in both the MC School of Law and the
MC School of Business, the Brocks are helping power the Center for AI Policy and Technology
Leadership (CAPTL), a visionary initiative that is positioning Mississippi at the forefront of
responsible artificial intelligence advancement.
“Creating the Brock Family Endowed Professorships will allow us to ensure the sustainability of
CAPTL and provide ongoing support to the faculty leading these new programs,” said MC
President Blake Thompson. “We continue to be grateful for John and Mary and their incredible
generosity to MC.”
CAPTL is a dynamic, interdisciplinary effort that prepares students, professionals and
policymakers to lead in an AI-driven economy, and MC is emerging as a leader in AI education.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, from generative tools like ChatGPT to
autonomous systems that are reshaping business and government.
By integrating technology, law, business, and public policy, CAPTL equips graduates to shape
the AI economy responsibly and strategically. Embedded across business and law curricula, the
program ensures students gain both technical insight and ethical grounding, two essential skills
for the future workforce.
CAPTL is supported by a powerful partnership model, including the Brocks’ $1 million
endowment gift, a $723,000 grant from the Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program (MAI- TAP), and institutional investment. Together, these commitments signal strong confidence in
MC’s ability to lead AI workforce development across the state.
Due to the Brocks’ visionary generosity, MC is not just responding to the rise of artificial
intelligence; it is helping to define what responsible AI leadership looks like for Mississippi and
the world.
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John F. Brock III is a seasoned corporate leader with a distinguished career in the global
beverage industry. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in chemical
engineering from Georgia Tech and began his professional journey at Procter & Gamble. He
later rose through leadership roles at Cadbury Schweppes and Interbrew, eventually serving as
Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Enterprises and Coca-Cola European Partners, the world’s largest marketer and distributor of Coca-Cola products. Along the way, he was
named the Beverage Industry’s Executive of the Year and has served on numerous corporate
boards, including Royal Caribbean Group.
Mary Brock is an accomplished businesswoman, philanthropist, and former co-owner of the
WNBA’s Atlanta Dream franchise, which made multiple playoff appearances and advanced to
the WNBA Finals during her tenure. She holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in
science education from Miami University of Ohio and has been active in educational and
community leadership organizations, including serving on the boards of Spelman College, the
Emory Winship Cancer Center Board of Visitors, and Horizons National.
