Delta State University’s 2005 Fall Commencement services will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. inside Walter Sillers Coliseum on the DSU campus, with Dr. Lynn Varner to deliver the keynote address.
Varner currently holds the post as director and chair of the newly formed Center for Rural School Leadership and Research at Delta State. She received a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi and has earned master’s degrees in Counseling and in Educational Administration from Delta State University and a bachelor’s degree from Roanoke (Va.) College.
Prior to her time at Delta State, Varner was an elementary school teacher, guidance counselor, and principal. An active scholar, she has presented at international, national, regional, and local conferences in her research areas of interest, which include year-round education, computer-managed instruction, technology, and accommodating learning disabilities. Now in her sixth year of service at Delta State, Varner received the 2004-2005 College of Education’s Faculty Award for Outstanding Teaching, Service, and Research and the 2005 Kossman Award, the highest distinction a faculty member can be accorded at the University.
Equally active in the Cleveland community, Varner serves on several boards and in leadership positions with her church, Calvary Episcopal. She and her husband, Bryan, have two daughters, Lane and Sarah, and reside in Cleveland.
“When I first moved to Cleveland, it became immediately obvious that Delta State played an integral part in the success of this community and the lives of all who live here,” Varner offered. “I’ve been so fortunate to be involved with Delta State as a volunteer, graduate student, graduate assistant, assistant professor, and as a director/chair. We have a very special place here because of our supportive, family-like atmosphere. I’m extremely honored to give this commencement address.”
With a working title, “The Four Agreements of Life,” Varner will explore Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements during her keynote address. Ruiz has written several books and millions of people have used his code of conduct to transform their ordinary lives into ones filled with freedom, true happiness and love.
Delta State is expected to graduate approximately 360 graduates during its fall commencement exercise. Due to limited seating, graduates have been issued tickets for family members and friends.
For more information on Delta State’s upcoming fall graduation, please contact University Relations at (662) 846-4675.
