{"id":88362,"date":"2021-08-12T17:52:08","date_gmt":"2021-08-12T22:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/?p=88362"},"modified":"2021-08-13T10:27:34","modified_gmt":"2021-08-13T15:27:34","slug":"delta-state-president-william-n-laforge-ponders-whats-next-during-state-of-the-university-address","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/2021\/08\/delta-state-president-william-n-laforge-ponders-whats-next-during-state-of-the-university-address\/","title":{"rendered":"Delta State President William N. LaForge ponders \u201cWhat\u2019s Next?\u201d during State of the University Address"},"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]CLEVELAND, Miss.\u2014<\/strong> What\u2019s next for Delta State University? If you ask President William N. LaForge, the vision for Delta State in 2027 includes coming off the heels of a successful centennial celebration that engaged and revigorated alumni and friends; a flourishing endowment that benefits an additional 400 students; the transformation of Ward Hall to the Delta State Honors College (used to accommodate a cohort of 60 high-achieving students), renovation of the Hugh White Stadium dormitory to the new Delta State Heritage, Cultural and Visitors Center, and more.<\/p>\n

LaForge challenged faculty, staff, community members and friends of the University to think about their own vision for Delta State\u2019s future during his State of the University Address, delivered virtually and in-person during the Fall 2021 General Convocation on Aug. 12.<\/p>\n

Themed \u201cWe Are Back: So, What\u2019s Next?”, LaForge\u2019s address began by acknowledging the challenges of the previous year.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a whirlwind year we just experienced, full of challenges like we have never faced before,\u201d he said. \u201cThe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic permeated throughout the academy and across campus in so many ways.\u00a0 We became a different university in many ways, and we learned how to play Hollywood Squares on Zoom.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the recent surge of the Delta variant, some of the \u201cnew normals\u201d of the pandemic\u2014like wearing face masks\u2014will be around for the foreseeable future while other protocols have been relaxed from the past year.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe basic state of play regarding COVID-19 response for Delta State \u2014as well as for the other seven state universities \u2014is simple: Until the Delta variant surge subsides, masks are required for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors while indoors on campus, including in classes, and this requirement applies whether individuals are vaccinated or unvaccinated,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Despite the challenges, the University still prospered in many ways; most importantly, it remained safe and healthy. LaForge noted that the University\u2019s cash position is better than it was a year ago; its cash position increased by more than $2.5 million over last year; student debt receivables were reduced by more than $1 million dollars; and the budget is \u201crobust\u201d and \u201cworkable.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition, LaForge said the Centennial Capital Fundraising Campaign for Delta State is in full swing and beyond the 60% mark towards its goal of $50 million.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are pleased that we could provide a two and a half percent pay raise to all full-time employees,\u201d he continued, \u201cand that we were also able to elevate the compensation level for equity and market reasons for 140 faculty and staff positions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Acknowledging the university\u2019s enrollment challenges, due largely to the global pandemic, LaForge said that University has \u201cdoubled down\u201d on its recruiting efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur undergraduate and graduate admissions teams have worked very hard to help us return to pre-COVID numbers of students, and we are cautiously optimistic about an increase in fall enrollment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Other 2020-2021 highlights include:<\/p>\n