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Delta State University kicks off Centennial celebration planning

By January 31, 2025Community, General

CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University is preparing to commemorate its 100-year anniversary during the 2025-26 academic year with a series of exciting events that reflect on its storied past, celebrate its achievements, and set the stage for a second century of excellence.

The Centennial Celebration Steering Committee, led by Honorary Chair and President Emeritus Dr. Kent Wyatt, Co-Chair and First Lady Jen Ennis, and Co-Chair and Special Assistant to the President Dr. Michelle Roberts, has begun organizing a year-long slate of events and initiatives to mark this historic milestone. The festivities will kick off on September 15, 2025, with a celebratory program, a timeline of events, and the dedication of a new time capsule.

“The 2025-26 academic year will be such an exciting time for Delta State and the entire community as we celebrate the university’s 100-year anniversary and the impact it has had on its students, employees, supporters, community, and region,” said Roberts. “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am delighted to serve as a Co-Chair of the Steering Committee. With an incredible group of members, we are committed to creating opportunities to reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments of the past while looking to the future.”

The Centennial Celebration will honor Delta State’s rich history, from its founding as a teacher’s college to its evolution into a regional hub of education, arts, and culture.

Jen Ennis shared her enthusiasm for the celebration, saying, “We are thrilled about the ideas emerging from our Steering Committee meetings. We’re planning a dynamic series of events to honor the past and celebrate former and current DSU faculty, staff, and students, as well as the vital role the community has played in Delta State’s success. The centennial year will conclude with a spectacular community-wide celebration in April 2026!”

The Steering Committee comprises a diverse group of stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders. Subcommittees are actively working on plans for historical documentation, community partnerships, marketing, and events tailored to students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

“This centennial milestone offers a unique opportunity to inspire pride, strengthen partnerships, and showcase Delta State’s impact on our region and beyond,” said Roberts. “We’re not only celebrating our first century of achievements but also building a strong foundation for the future.”

For more information on the Centennial Celebration, please visit www.deltastate.edu.