Gloria Brister (left) assistant professor and chair of Speech and Hearing Sciences from Cleveland, and Emily Hearn (right) a senior International Business major from Millington, Tenn., represented Delta State University at the 24th Annual Higher Education Appreciation Day/Working for Academic Excellence (HEADWAE) awards luncheon in Jackson. The two were welcomed by Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant.
First celebrated in 1988, HEADWAE was established by the Legislature to honor the academic achievement of individuals and the overall contribution of the state’s public and private institutions of higher learning. In total, 68 outstanding students and faculty members from 34 Mississippi public and private universities and colleges were recognized.
The honorees began the day with a visit to the State Capitol where they were welcomed and recognized by the Senate and House of Representatives and given a tour of the Capitol. Lieutenant Governor Bryant, chair of HEADWAE, was the speaker during the awards luncheon at the Jackson Convention Complex.
"The Mississippi Legislature, the corporate community, and others involved in higher education are given the opportunity to recognize the academic and leadership achievements and celebrate individual students, faculty and staff who embody academic excellence and commitment to the goals and missions at our institutions of higher learning," said Bryant. "These honorees, through their personal and academic achievement, demonstrate that a quality education can be found right here in Mississippi’s colleges and universities."
