DSU’s Spring Commencement ceremony celebrated the achievements of 379 candidates for degrees.CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University held its Spring 2024 Commencement ceremonies at the Walter Sillers Coliseum on May 10 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 379 candidates for degrees, including 266 bachelor’s degrees, 93 master’s degrees, 14 educational specialist degrees, and 6 doctoral degrees.
Delta State President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis welcomed the assembly, recognizing family members, special guests and faculty. He then presented the S. E. Kossman Outstanding Teacher Award to Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Lee Dean and the H. L. Nowell Outstanding Support Staff Award to Employment and Training Program Coordinator Rebecca Bouse before welcoming commencement speaker Dr. Tyrone Jackson, president of Mississippi Delta Community College to the podium.
Jackson is a distinguished alumnus and former employee of Delta State. From his tenure as an Admissions Counselor to his leadership roles as Assistant Dean of Graduate and Continuing Studies and Interim Dean of Graduate and Continuing Studies, Jackson consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering academic success and student development at Delta State.
Following his tenure at Delta State, Jackson continued to make significant contributions to higher education, serving in leadership roles at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Hinds Community College. In July 2019, he assumed the presidency of Mississippi Delta Community College, further solidifying his dedication to advancing educational opportunities in the Mississippi Delta.
Jackson spoke to the graduates about his experiences as a student at Delta State. He talked about having multiple tedious part-time jobs as a student and implored the students to never let anyone outwork them. He challenged the graduates to stand up for what is right as they go forward in their lives and careers. He closed by saying, “Work extremely hard. Stand for what is right. Keep your eyes on the prize. Stay out of jail. Be a servant. Congratulations, and I wish you the very best in your next chapter.”
Ennis then introduced Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Trustees Teresa Hubbard and Jerry Griffith, both alumni of Delta State University. Hubbard came forward to congratulate the graduates and to convey the IHL’s authorization for the conferring of degrees. Students were then called forward to receive their degrees.
When the graduates had been recognized and had returned to their seats, Ennis conferred the degrees, subject to completion of all requirements as certified by the Registrar’s Office, and congratulated the graduates again. He introduced Alumni Association Board President George Miller to welcome them as the newest alumni of the university.
Miller said, “I encourage you to stay connected to Delta State. We believe that the Delta State experience is a life-long one. Once again, congratulations on what you have accomplished today.”
For more information about degree programs at Delta State University, visit https://www.deltastate.edu/. To view a recording of the live stream of the commencement ceremonies, visit https://livestream.com/deltastateuniversity.
