President Emeritus Dr. Kent Wyatt and former First Lady Janice Wyatt were surprised with a ceremony Saturday honoring their 50 years of service at Delta State University.With 2014 marking 50 years of employment at Delta State University, President Emeritus Dr. Kent Wyatt and former First Lady Janice Wyatt received a grand celebratory luncheon Saturday honoring their green and white loyalty.
President Wyatt, who served as the university’s leader from 1975-1999, said it was difficult to describe the emotions of reconnecting with nearly 250 supporters who gathered in the State Room of the H.L. Nowell Union to pay tribute to the Wyatts’ careers.
“How do you put it in words? It was a just a wonderful reunion with a lot of people, friends and family,” said Wyatt. “It truly was a fantastic occasion. What a wonderful turnout, and I’m so honored and humbled by what took place.”
Janice, who has also proved to be a lasting asset to the university over the last 50 years, was surprised to see such an impressive gathering.
“It was a little bit overwhelming for both of us,” she said. “We didn’t know all that was happening because they kept most of it a secret. The celebration was wonderful. I loved everything about it, but the thing I loved most was it really showed what a class act Delta State is.”
Current Delta State University President William N. LaForge opened the ceremony with high praise for the Wyatts and the impact they’ve had on his presidency. LaForge set the tone for a long list of colleagues, friends and family members who reflected on the influence of the Delta State power couple.
Among those to speak about their Wyatt connections were: Dr. Aubrey Lucas, Dr. Wayne Blansett, Caroline Gaines, Georgene Clark, Richard Myers, Ruby Anne Kincade, Billy Nowell, and daughters Tara Mounger and Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell.
Faculty and administrative members of Delta State also provided special recognition, including donations to the Kent & Janice Wyatt Retention Scholarship Fund and the Janice Wyatt Summer Arts Institute.
Wyatt was also awarded recognition in Delta State’s newest program, the “Legends of Delta State University.” With the honor, he joins the inaugural class as one of Delta State’s most distinguished leaders of lifetime achievement, service, excellence and success in serving the university.
Dr. Wyatt and Janice closed the ceremony with touching remarks about the role Delta State has played in their lives, and the gratitude they have for a university that is their lifeblood.
“I never had any desire to be anywhere other than Delta State, and that was because of my love for this institution and the relationships I’ve developed with the people here,” said Wyatt. “Everybody has goals and dreams, but growing up I always wanted to be at Delta State.
“I came as a student, had the opportunity to come back in different positions, then moved up to the presidency, and now as President Emeritus. I’ve enjoyed all these different relationships with the institution, and particularly the people of Delta State — including students, faculty and staff.”
Janice echoed her praise for the people and university.
“This is not about Kent and me, but Delta State as an institution,” she said. “I was glad for everyone to see what a first-class university Delta State is and the first-class people that make it so special here.
“You know, you never see yourself as others see you, and the whole celebration was such a class act. Delta State has always been first-class to us.”
Learn more about the Wyatts’ never-ending efforts to support Delta State at http://www.deltastategiving.org/giving/scholarships/kentandjanicewyattretentionscholarshipfund and http://bolognapac.com/education/mississippi-summer-arts-institute/.
