AUM, Why Not Win Institute to celebrate partnership with open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony
A Montgomery native who became Birmingham’s first Black McDonald’s franchise owner is bringing his business expertise and his leadership institute home to Auburn University at Montgomery College of Business.
Larry D. Thornton Sr., co-founder and board chair of the Why Not Win Institute, a nonprofit leadership development organization, has been invited to serve as executive in residence at the AUM College of Business in recognition of his success in business. With his appointment, WNWI is opening an office on campus and will host an open house Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. on the second floor of Clement Hall, home of the College of Business.
WNWI is built on the belief that everyone can win when given the proper tools. Through presentations, programs and partnerships, WNWI equips people from elementary school students to working professionals with practical lessons in leadership, career readiness and personal growth.
Thornton grew up in segregated Montgomery and helped integrate the city’s public schools as a child. He now owns several McDonald’s restaurants through Thornton Enterprises Inc. and has served on multiple corporate and civic boards. This year, he was inducted into the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham’s Business Hall of Fame.
Thornton is also an artist and author. His artwork is held in the collections of Oprah Winfrey and Condoleezza Rice. His 2019 autobiography, “Why Not Win?” published by the University of Georgia Press, tells how he overcame long odds through three principles: People, Perception and Perseverance. Those principles became the foundation of the Why Not Win Institute.
“Montgomery is where I first learned what it takes to win,” Thornton said. “Serving at AUM gives me the chance to invest in students in the city that shaped me. Having Why Not Win on campus means we can share these tools with more young people, educators and families than ever before.”
The executive in residence role allows Thornton to share his business expertise with the AUM community. It also gives WNWI a home base in Montgomery to expand its reach to more students, educators and professionals across the River Region.
WNWI has made presentations to colleges, universities and schools across Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee and provides leadership development for corporate clients. The institute is currently developing and offering programs that prepare students for college, careers and entrepreneurship, including a college readiness experience, business fundamentals training, one-on-one career guidance from working professionals and personal branding workshops. WNWI and the AUM College of Business launched their collaboration in September with The College Immersion Experience, a college readiness program for high school students.
“Together with WNWI, we are helping students unlock their potential and preparing them to pursue their aspirations with confidence, purpose, and the skills needed for lifelong success,” Dr. Daewoo Park, Dean and Professor of College of Business, Auburn University at Montgomery.
Open house guests will tour the office, meet Thornton and the WNWI staff and learn about the institute’s plans for the 2026-27 academic year. The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP or learn more, contact LaShana Sorrell at 601-520-4522 or [email protected].
About the Why Not Win Institute
The Why Not Win Institute is a nonprofit leadership development organization founded by Larry D. Thornton Sr. on the belief that everyone can win when given the proper tools. Built on the principles of People, Perception and Perseverance from Thornton’s book “Why Not Win?” WNWI equips students, educators and organizations through presentations, programs, curriculum and community partnerships. Its new office at Auburn University at Montgomery expands that work in Thornton’s hometown. Learn more at whynotwininstitute.org.
