Just over a year ago, local media coined the nickname \u201cGreen Tie President\u201d for William N. LaForge, the man who came to Delta State University with great excitement in April of 2013 as the new president.<\/p>\n
The school\u2019s colors of green and white are unmistakable across campus, and the university\u2019s leader has made a point since day one to wear a green tie whenever he\u2019s on the clock.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe collection has tripled since the initial green tie article was published last summer,\u201d said LaForge. \u201cThe streak is alive. I\u2019ve worn a green tie every day to work or when I\u2019m traveling for Delta State, without exception.”<\/p>\n
The green tie \u201chabit\u201d is a symbol of LaForge\u2019s never-ending passion and dedication to his alma mater.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to act like a walking advertisement, but I do feel that you have to have an unabashed optimism to be a leader,\u201d said LaForge. \u201cEven if it comes across to some people as a little bit goofy. That positive zeal is critical, because if you don\u2019t have it, who the heck will?\u201d<\/p>\n
LaForge has heard about the green tie article from fellow institutional leaders in Mississippi, and he\u2019s received numerous emails and calls in support of the concept.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople often comment on my ties, and some people walk up to me to make sure I\u2019m wearing one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Along with the ties, LaForge always has a Delta State lapel pin proudly placed on his jacket. And a new item has recently become a part of his pitch \u2014 green and white Delta State guitar picks.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are more of a communication piece, and I like to give them to recruits who are music oriented,\u201d he said. \u201cThe tongue and cheek line I\u2019m giving now is \u2018We want people to pick Delta State.\u2019 I know it\u2019s an eye roller for younger people, but it\u2019s another way to get our name out.\u201d<\/p>\n
These symbols are much more than just for show. It\u2019s LaForge\u2019s fun way of showing commitment to the message that he and others have pitched during his first full year in office.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m committed to all of this, and I want our students to buy into this vision that we have put together and share,\u201d said LaForge. \u201cLet me promise you this \u2014 we are in for a ride. There are exciting days ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n
The excitement comes from a number of highlights under his leadership \u2014 from the Delta State University Colloquia: Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series; the inaugural Winning the Race Conference; and $598,000 in grant support from the Hearin Foundation for creation of the International Delta Blues Project.<\/p>\n
These efforts, and more, will continue to put Delta State on the map.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had a year under my belt now and I\u2019ve had a chance to grasp operations with a much better perspective than one year ago,\u201d added LaForge. \u201cThe learning curve went fast, and I\u2019ve been advised by some great people on campus.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re at a point now we can perceive needs, discern change opportunities, and really move things ahead. This is a big team effort, not just me. The tie is merely a symbol of that, and it\u2019s something people have come to expect.\u201d<\/p>\n
The symbol has also made a mark at regional high schools across Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee, as LaForge continues his efforts to attract more students to Delta State. Since taking office, he has tirelessly visited with high school students to increase the university\u2019s diverse and talented student body.<\/p>\n
Expanding Delta State\u2019s partnerships with international institutions has also been one of the president\u2019s focal points, and the green tie has even caught on across the pond.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe green tie phenomenon has reached Europe,\u201d joked LaForge. \u201cColleagues in Russia and Poland, where I taught, have mentioned it to me on recent visits. I was even given a green tie as a gift in Poland when I was a guest lecturer in May.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the ties are a strong symbol and lighter way to connect with colleagues and the community, LaForge remains focused on guiding Delta State through more serious concerns, such as budget, enrollment and infrastructure needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cClassroom instruction is our primary concern, and we look forward to continuing to grow and expand our programs,\u201d he said. \u201cWe will continue to build our outreach to Delta communities and be a model regional university.<\/p>\n
\u201cPart of our pitch is that we have a great quality of education at a terrific price. The value here is hard to beat.\u201d<\/p>\n
The tie streak shows no signs of ending, as LaForge remains dedicated to a reenergized Delta State.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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