{"id":96685,"date":"2025-05-12T09:16:45","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T14:16:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/?p=96685"},"modified":"2025-05-12T09:16:45","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T14:16:45","slug":"dsu-celebrates-416-degrees-at-spring-commencement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/2025\/05\/dsu-celebrates-416-degrees-at-spring-commencement\/","title":{"rendered":"DSU celebrates 416 degrees at Spring Commencement"},"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> May 9, 2025 \u2014<\/strong> Delta State University proudly celebrated the achievements of its Spring 2025 graduates during commencement exercises held Friday, May 9, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Walter Sillers Coliseum. The ceremonies honored 416 candidates for degrees, including 255 bachelor\u2019s degrees, 128 master\u2019s degrees, 28 educational specialist degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees.<\/p>\n

Delta State President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis welcomed the assembled graduates, families, faculty, and distinguished guests, saying, \u201cEvery day is a great day at Delta State University, and I know our degree candidates will remember this day in particular.\u201d<\/p>\n

As part of the morning ceremony, DSU student Mary Parsons led the national anthem, while student Johnathan Denton performed the anthem at the afternoon event.<\/p>\n

Ennis presented the S. E. Kossman Outstanding Teacher Award to Dr. Lisa Cooley, Assistant Professor of Marketing, and the H. L. Nowell Outstanding Support Staff Award to Sheila Millican, Aerial Applicator Program Coordinator.<\/p>\n

Cleveland Mayor and Delta State alumnus Billy Nowell delivered the commencement address. A 1972 graduate, Nowell shared heartfelt memories of growing up in Cleveland and his lasting connection to Delta State. \u201cCleveland and Delta State have meant so much to me,\u201d he said. \u201cThis city beats with the heartbeat of Delta State University.\u201d<\/p>\n

Encouraging graduates to embrace their journey and roots, Nowell added, \u201cAlways remember that success isn\u2019t where you wind up, it\u2019s how you walk the path. Be kind, be bold, lift others up, and never forget where you came from. This city will be cheering you on, no matter where your life takes you.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the afternoon ceremony, Delta State University conferred honorary doctoral degrees upon two distinguished individuals: former U.S. Congressman David R. Bowen and Reverend Wheeler Parker, Jr.<\/p>\n

Bowen, a Cleveland native, has had a distinguished career in public service and higher education. He has been a dedicated advocate for the transformative power of education and economic development.<\/p>\n

Parker, a Mississippi native and cousin of Emmett Till, has spent his life in ministry and public service. As the last living eyewitness to the events surrounding Till\u2019s murder, he has shared his powerful story nationwide, promoting justice and reconciliation. Reverend Parker has generously collaborated with Delta State on numerous educational and cultural initiatives.<\/p>\n

President Ennis emphasized the significance of the honorary degrees: \u201cDelta State University confers honorary doctoral degrees for outstanding scholarly work, distinguished leadership or service, significant accomplishments, or exceptional philanthropic support. Today, we pay tribute to two outstanding candidates.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Trustee and Delta State alumnus Jerry Griffith brought greetings and officially authorized the conferring of degrees.<\/p>\n

After graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, Dr. Ennis conferred the degrees, subject to final certification by the Registrar\u2019s Office. He then welcomed Alumni Association Board President Hayes Collins to the podium.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have had family help get you to this achievement today,\u201d said Collins. \u201cAnd you have now gained a new family through the Delta State Alumni Association to go with you on this next journey you are setting out on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delta State University extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of Spring 2025 and looks forward to their continued success as proud alumni of the Green and White.<\/p>\n

For more information about degree programs at Delta State University, visit deltastate.edu<\/a>. To view a recording of the live stream of the commencement ceremonies, visit vimeo.com\/deltastateuniversity<\/a>.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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