Ellie Welsh (R) and Dr. Glendscene Williams at the Mississippi Young Bankers (MYB) Emerging Leaders Conference.CLEVELAND, Miss. — In the Mississippi Delta, Delta State University has long been a place where hard work meets opportunity. Ellie Welsh is a finance major from Grenada whose recent achievement has added another chapter to the university’s story. At the Mississippi Young Bankers (MYB) Emerging Leaders Conference on September 24-25, 2025, Ellie won the Mississippi Bankers Association (MBA) Education Foundation Leadership Scholarship. The award, complete with a cash prize, a plaque, and a fully funded trip to the Mississippi Annual Leadership Conference, marks a milestone for Ellie – a recognition of her drive, skill, and the support she’s found at Delta State.
“It’s not just about the money,” Ellie said with a smile. “This scholarship has eased my financial burdens, sure, but it’s also given me a renewed sense of confidence. It’s shown me I deserve a seat at the table. I wouldn’t be here without the guidance of mentors like Dr. Chad Denson and Dr. Glendscene Williams, or the support of the MBA Education Foundation.”
Ellie’s success is part of a pattern for Delta State’s finance program. The MBA scholarship, established in 1998 and funded by the MBA Education Foundation since 2012, seeks out students passionate about Mississippi’s banking industry. Ellie follows in the footsteps of other Delta State standouts—Keshawn Jennings, Tyler Goad, and James Hardy Lewis, all former business majors who’ve built successful careers in banking while giving back to their communities.
The strength of Delta State’s program lies in its approach. Led by Dr. Glendscene Williams, Chair of Accountancy, Computer Information Systems, and Geospatial Information Technologies, the finance curriculum blends classroom learning with real-world experience. Students like Ellie connect with industry leaders like Andrew Whalen, MYB Executive Council Treasurer and President of Planters Bank and Trust in Cleveland, gaining practical insights that prepare them for what’s ahead.
At the 2025 Emerging Leaders Conference, Ellie and her peers tackled topics like the impact of leadership style and the role of technologies like ChatGPT in trading. These discussions highlighted the forward-thinking nature of Delta State’s business programs, which equip students to handle a fast-changing financial world.
As Delta State marks its 100th anniversary, its commitment to building leaders remains strong. “Ellie’s achievement reflects the caliber of our students and the strength of our programs,” Dr. Williams said. “We’re not just preparing students for careers; we’re shaping leaders who make a difference in their communities.”
For Ellie, this scholarship is just the beginning. Backed by Delta State’s close-knit community and the MBA Education Foundation, she’s ready to make her mark in Mississippi’s banking industry. “I’ve been surrounded by peers and instructors who’ve given me unique knowledge and support I couldn’t find anywhere else,” she said. “I’m ready to take on what’s next.”
Delta State’s business programs continue to raise the bar, turning out not just students but leaders who excel in their fields and beyond. As the university looks to its next century, Ellie Welsh and her peers are proof that its legacy of excellence will carry on.
For more information about the College of Business and Aviation at Delta State University, visit www.deltastate.edu/business-aviation/.
