{"id":108348,"date":"2026-05-18T09:59:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:59:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/?p=108348"},"modified":"2026-05-18T09:59:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:59:10","slug":"delta-state-celebrates-graduates-of-agricultural-aviation-operations-career-pathway-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/2026\/05\/delta-state-celebrates-graduates-of-agricultural-aviation-operations-career-pathway-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Delta State celebrates graduates of Agricultural Aviation Operations Career Pathway program"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

CLEVELAND, Miss. \u2014 <\/strong>Delta State University celebrated the graduation of 10 students from its Agricultural Aviation Operations Career Pathway program during a Certification Ceremony held May 14 in the Multipurpose Room of the Young-Mauldin Dining Hall on the DSU campus.<\/p>\n

The ceremony recognized students who completed the specialized workforce development program designed to prepare the next generation of agricultural aviation professionals for careers in one of Mississippi\u2019s most vital industries.<\/p>\n

The event opened with a welcome from Joseph Childs, dean of the College of Business and Aviation, and an invocation delivered by Brett Morgan of Prayers for Pilots.<\/p>\n

Bill Crump, regional representative for Cindy Hyde-Smith, then addressed the graduates and guests. Crump first played a congratulatory video message from Hyde-Smith, who emphasized the critical role agricultural aviation plays not only in Mississippi, but across the nation. She said, \u201cAgricultural aviation plays a critical role in supporting our farmers and sustaining the very foundation of our economy. What we\u2019ve built and continue to grow here at Delta State is a model, not just for Mississippi, but for the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hyde-Smith also noted that Delta State is positioned at the forefront of aviation education in the United States through its continued investment in agricultural aviation training. She said, \u201cThis is where agriculture lives and breathes. Mississippi\u2019s agriculture depends on skilled, courageous pilots. Your work and the risks you will take every day are in service of the farmers who feed, clothes and fuel this nation. That kind of service deserves respect, and it has mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crump followed the video with remarks of his own to the graduates. \u201cThis program is known as the only one of its kind in the whole nation,\u201d he said. \u201cThat is something that we should all be proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ike Brunetti, president of Delta Regional Agricultural Flight Training (DRAFT), LLC, was instrumental in developing the program and has led the training of each cohort of pilots. He spoke next, saying, \u201cI\u2019m so grateful that the university has allowed me to be a part of this program,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is an honor and a privilege.\u201d He thanked the university leadership for their commitment to training the next generation of agricultural pilots, and the teams that help facilitate and guide the program.<\/p>\n

Certificates were then presented to the graduates by Dr. Leslie Griffin, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, and Marshal Tomlinson, director of Flight Operations.<\/p>\n

Following the certificate presentations, Mitzi Woods of the South Delta Planning and Development District presented the graduates with flight helmets purchased through the organization\u2019s support of the program.<\/p>\n

The ceremony also included the presentation of two scholarships recognizing outstanding students in the Agricultural Aviation Operations Career Pathway program. Levi Gee received the William Austin Scrogin Agricultural Aviation Scholarship, while Morgan Cotton received the Connor Lang Agricultural Aviation Scholarship.<\/p>\n

Delta State\u2019s Agricultural Aviation Operations Career Pathway program was developed to address the growing demand for qualified agricultural aviation professionals while supporting Mississippi\u2019s agricultural economy. The program combines aviation instruction with industry partnerships and workforce development initiatives to provide students with direct pathways into the agricultural aviation field.<\/p>\n

Ten pilots received certification:<\/p>\n