CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University is proud to announce that Jeremy Ricks, DSU’s Comptroller, has been selected as a participant in the 2025–26 Emerging Leaders Program, a signature professional development initiative of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). The program, announced on September 17, brings together promising mid‑level business officers from institutions across the country.
Now in its fifth year, the Emerging Leaders Program is designed to equip participants with advanced leadership skills, foster cross‑campus collaboration, and strengthen networks across the higher education business community. The year‑long program runs through April 2026, addressing topics such as leadership development, the evolving business environment in higher education, and effective communication in institutional settings.
Ricks is among 78 selected individuals representing 69 higher education institutions in 31 states and the District of Columbia. This cohort is the largest in program history and was selected from NACUBO’s largest applicant pool to date. Among the highlights:
- Thirty‑eight colleges and universities are represented in the Emerging Leaders Program for the first time.
- The cohort underscores NACUBO’s commitment to growing leadership capacity and supporting the next generation of higher education business officers.
As Comptroller at DSU, Ricks oversees the University’s external financial reporting and plays a critical role in ensuring fiscal integrity and transparency. His selection for the NACUBO Emerging Leaders Program further validates his trajectory as a rising leader in higher education finance.
Ricks brings to the program a rich blend of experience and commitment. He has more than 15 years of expertise in nonprofit finance and accounting, having served most recently as CFO of Coahoma Opportunities, Inc., and in senior accounting roles at Delta Regional Authority and Bolivar County Community Action Agency. A proud DSU alumnus, he earned both his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Master of Business Administration from the university and completed his Certificate in Nonprofit Management this summer.
“Jeremy’s selection for this program is a testament to his dedication and the promise he holds as a steward of higher education finance,” said Kelvin Davis, Associate Vice President of Finance & Administration. “We look forward to seeing the benefits of his participation shared across Delta State University.”
Delta State University congratulates Jeremy Ricks on this distinguished honor and offers full support as he embarks on this next professional development journey.
