Delta State University President William N. LaForge visited with the Bolivar County Board of Supervisors during their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, May 6.
Following an introduction by Supervisor Donny Whitten, LaForge thanked the Board for the invitation and for allowing him to share his vision for the future of Delta State University. “We have a vision of being bigger and thinking bigger, and working with Bolivar County and our region to make that vision a reality.”
LaForge said increasing student enrollment is a priority. “We ask you, as leaders of our community to assist in identifying potential students, but we also want to reach beyond the Delta. We have one tuition rate for all students regardless of their residence and we intend to extend our reach beyond the state and engage students all over the country.”
“We will continue to put Delta State on the map regionally, nationally, and globally by sponsoring new programs such as an international conference on the blues; a major conference on racial reconciliation; creative international exchange programs for students, faculty and programs; and by bringing to this campus outstanding leaders in business, government, education, and society,” said LaForge.
Addressing a question about student financial assistance, LaForge stated, “Plans are underway to create internship and cooperative work programs with local businesses to boost the workforce and to help students receive a little extra financial support each semester and allow businesses to "buy in" to Delta State.”
LaForge closed by saying ,“Our vision is to make Delta State University a public university of which we can all be proud of and a university of national distinction.”
