Delta State University's 9th President, Dr. Daniel J. Ennis.CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University will hold a Centennial Lecture on Monday, February 19, at 3:00 p.m. in Jobe Hall Auditorium to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the introduction of the legislation that led to the school’s creation. The lecture kicks off a week of events leading up to the inauguration of Dr. Daniel J. Ennis as Delta State’s 9th president, which will take place on Saturday, February 24, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bologna Performing Arts Center.
February 19 is also the national observance of Presidents Day which is the federal holiday devoted to honoring our nation’s presidents. Therefore, the Centennial Lecture will also recognize the previous eight presidents of Delta State who have had an impact on Delta State’s success through the years.
Delta State’s Vice President for Executive Affairs and Chief of Staff Dr. Michelle Roberts is a co-chair for the inauguration week events. She said, “These two significant events in time give us the opportunity to celebrate both Delta State’s past and its future. We will pay tribute to the previous presidents, and the impact that their leadership has had on making Delta State what it is today. We will also hear from Dr. Ennis about plans for Delta State’s future.”
The event will include remarks from Mississippi Transportation Commissioner for the Central District Willie Simmons and Cleveland Mayor Billy Nowell. Chair Emeritus of the Department of Mathematics and Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Dr. Rose Strahan will deliver the address “Presidential Impact Through the Years.” President Ennis will follow with “Lighting the Way to Delta State’s Future,” and speak to his vision for the university in the coming years.
Delta State’s First Lady Jennifer Ennis said, “The inauguration steering committee has done a fantastic job of making this inaugural week so very special. The Centennial Lecture Subcommittee has worked very diligently to make this lecture a salute to Delta State’s past, as we move into the future with Dan as Delta State’s 9th president. We look forward to having the faculty, staff and students, as well as the community join us for this lecture on Monday as well as the inauguration on Saturday, Feb 24, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bologna Performing Arts Center.”
Following the lecture, there will be a reception in the Kossman Suite in Jobe Hall. For more information about the events of Inauguration Week, including a complete schedule of events and travel and accommodation information, visit www.deltastate.edu/president/inauguration.
To watch the live stream of the event, click here.
