Delta State student Katelyn George, left, with Tricia Walker, director emerita of the Delta Music Institute Entertainment Industry Studies program. George has been awarded the 2025 Tricia Walker Scholarship to support her pursuit of an EIS degree at DSU.
CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University proudly announces Katelyn George of Summit as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Tricia Walker Scholarship in its DMI Entertainment Industry Studies program.
Established by longtime university supporters Mike and Nan Sanders, the Tricia Walker Scholarship honors the lasting impact of Tricia Walker, director emerita of the Delta Music Institute Entertainment Industry Studies (EIS) program. The award supports students who demonstrate both academic promise and a passion for careers in the entertainment industry.
A graduate of Copiah-Lincoln Community College, George transferred to Delta State to pursue a bachelor’s degree in entertainment industry studies. Faculty members describe her as a dedicated student with a strong work ethic and a clear commitment to shaping her future in the music and entertainment field.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Tricia Walker Annual Scholarship,” said George. “I see this scholarship as both a validation of my past efforts and a crucial investment in my future academic success.”
Walker, a GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriter and former EIS program director, was an active professional in the entertainment industry before returning to Mississippi, where she was instrumental in building the Delta Music Institute into a nationally recognized program. Her legacy lives on through the scholarship, which continues to empower the next generation of Mississippi music and entertainment professionals.
“I’m delighted that Katelyn is the first recipient of this scholarship,” said Walker. “It’s rewarding to watch young talent grow and find their way in this ever-changing industry.”
For more information about the DMI Entertainment Industry Studies program at Delta State University or to learn how to support scholarships like the Tricia Walker Scholarship, visit www.deltastate.edu/dmi.
