From left, Lindy Salyer Coleman, a Delta State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Brookhaven, and Emma Elizabeth Alford, a Delta State University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Cleveland, were the initial recipients of the Doyce Stallings Mitchell Diploma during Delta State University’s 85th Commencement ceremony held Saturday, May 8, inside Walter Sillers Coliseum on campus.
The Doyce Stallings Mitchell Diploma is presented to the transfer student(s) with the highest grade point average with a minimum of 62 hours of academic credit at Delta State University.
Formally known as the Second Diploma, the award is named after the late Mrs. Doyce Stallings Mitchell, a Delta State alumna and career educator. Delta State announced the naming of the award during an April 25th ceremony, with Delta State President Dr. John M. Hilpert stating, “In recognition of the service and contributions of the Mitchell family and with their kind permission, Delta State University will henceforth award the transfer student with the highest grade point average the ‘Doyce Stallings Mitchell Diploma.’ This naming recognizes an inspirational individual who was herself a transfer student, declares a family’s respect for their mother, and lifts up her life as elegant proof that learning matters.”
