Delta State honorees at the 29th annual HEADWAE program in Jackson included student Mikel Sykes and the late Dr. Ethan Schmidt. Pictured are: (l to r) Sen. Buck Clarke, Sykes, Sen. Willie Simmons, Dr. Chuck Westmoreland and Elizabeth Schmidt.
Two Delta State honorees were recently recognized at the 29th annual HEADWAE program in Jackson.
Higher Education Appreciation Day — Working for Academic Excellence (HEADWAE) was established by legislative resolution to honor individual academic achievement and the overall contribution of the state’s public and private institutions of higher learning.
The annual event honors outstanding students and faculty members from 34 Mississippi public and private universities.
This year’s Delta State honorees included Mikel Sykes, a senior social science and history double major from Winona and the late Dr. Ethan Schmidt, a history professor who was the victim of a fatal shooting on Sept. 14, 2015.
Sykes is a two-term SGA student body president, former orientation leader, vice president of the IHL student body presidents council, and the recipient of the Delta State University Bobby Rowe Outstanding Leadership award.
“It is always great to be recognized for something, especially on the state level, but I have to say that the highlight of the event for me was opening up the program and seeing the picture of Dr. Ethan Schmidt,” said Sykes. “I usually don’t keep copies of programs like that, but I made an exception for this one.”
Schmidt, who taught at Delta State for two and a half years, worked as an assistant professor of American history in the Division of Social Sciences and History. On campus, he served as the director of the First Year Seminar Program and organized the university’s inaugural Native American Heritage Month celebration. He was also a member of the Delta State University Diversity Committee.
Elizabeth Schmidt, wife of Ethan, accepted the award on his behalf. Dr. Charles Westmoreland, assistant professor of history, represented the university at the ceremony.
“I was extremely humbled and honored to represent Delta State on this important occasion,” said Westmoreland. “Ethan had a profound impact on Delta State because, above all else, he loved being part of a university family. He loved teaching. He loved listening to and imparting advice to students. He loved working with colleagues to find ways to improve our academic programs and enhance student success. He loved going to campus lectures, plays and sporting events. Furthermore, as much as possible, he loved making his own family a part of this university’s culture.
“In just two short years, Dr. Ethan Schmidt left an indelible mark on Delta State and made it a better place for everyone who walks on this campus. His legacy will be felt for many, many years to come.”
Honorees began the day with a visit to the State Capitol, where they were welcomed by Governor Phil Bryant, recognized by the Senate and House of Representatives, and given a tour of the Capitol.
Click here http://www.ihl.state.ms.us/headwae/downloads/headwaehonorees2016.pdf for a list of 2015-16 HEADWAE honorees.
