{"id":96751,"date":"2025-06-17T12:12:16","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T17:12:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/?p=96751"},"modified":"2025-06-17T12:12:16","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T17:12:16","slug":"dsu-certifies-new-crop-of-ag-pilots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/2025\/06\/dsu-certifies-new-crop-of-ag-pilots\/","title":{"rendered":"DSU certifies new crop of ag pilots"},"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 hosted a certification ceremony recently to recognize graduates of the Agricultural Aircraft Operations Career Pathway program. The event was held at The Gin in the West End District and celebrated a new generation of skilled aviation professionals poised to support Mississippi\u2019s vital agricultural sector.<\/p>\n

The program is the result of DSU\u2019s collaboration with area ag pilots, the Cleveland Airport Board and many others. The Delta State University Agricultural Aircraft Operations Career Pathway is a $2 million Congressional award that is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Additional training and supportive services funds were provided for the students by AccelerateMS and the Mississippi Office of Apprenticeship, MDES, through South Delta Planning and Development District.<\/p>\n

Marshall Tomlinson, Director of Flight Operations, opened the ceremony, followed by an invocation from Prayers for Pilots representative Brett Morgan. The program featured a special introductory video and welcoming remarks delivered on behalf of the Honorable U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith by her Field Representative, Bill Crump.<\/p>\n

Hyde-Smith congratulated Mississippi\u2019s newest ag pilots, saying, \u201cI regret that I couldn\u2019t be there in person to join you in celebrating this milestone. I congratulate each of you for achieving something remarkable through your dedication, skill, perseverance in the Delta State aerial applicator pilot training program. Partnering with Delta State to launch this program has been very satisfying, and one of the most satisfying parts of my career as a United States Senator.\u201d<\/p>\n

The importance of agricultural aviation and workforce development in rural Mississippi was underscored by guest speakers Ike Brunetti of DRAFT, LLC, and Mitzi Woods of South Delta Planning and Development District. Their remarks highlighted collaborative efforts to expand opportunities for young pilots through education and training.<\/p>\n

Delta State Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leslie Griffin joined Tomlinson in presenting certificates to the program graduates, recognizing their dedication and readiness to contribute to the agricultural aviation industry.<\/p>\n

The ceremony also included acknowledgment of the William Austin Scrogin Agricultural Aviation Scholarship by Calvin Lang and the presentation of the Conner Lang Agricultural Aviation Scholarship.<\/p>\n

Graduates of the 2025 Agricultural Aircraft Operations Career Pathway program include:<\/p>\n

Alex Allstun \u2013 Oakland, MS<\/p>\n

Hunter Gilmore \u2013 Sidon, MS<\/p>\n

Ethan Gremillion \u2013 Cleveland, MS<\/p>\n

Drex Housley \u2013 Cleveland, MS<\/p>\n

Zack Mitchell \u2013 Kossuth, MS<\/p>\n

Bethany Rayman \u2013 Cleveland, MS<\/p>\n

Callie Rodriquez \u2013 Cleveland, MS<\/p>\n

Andrew Rowsey \u2013 Corinth, MS<\/p>\n

In her closing remarks, Griffin emphasized the University\u2019s commitment to aligning educational offerings with workforce needs in the Mississippi Delta and beyond. “Students earning certification through the Agricultural Aviation Pathway have been exposed to cutting-edge technology preparing them to provide accurate and safe aerial applications in agricultural areas. I am pleased that Delta State University is at the forefront of this program and the preparation it represents.”<\/p>\n

The event concluded with a reception, where attendees had the opportunity to meet with graduates, faculty, and industry partners.<\/p>\n

For more information about the Agricultural Aircraft Operations Career Pathway and Delta State\u2019s aviation programs, visit www.deltastate.edu\/business-aviation\/commercial-aviation\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"

(L to R)Alex Allstun, Andrew Rowsey, Zack Mitchell, Dre Housley, Brett Morgan from Prayers for Pilots, Ethan Gremillion, Hunter Gilmore, Bethany Rayman, Callie Rodriquez<\/p><\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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