{"id":1347,"date":"2024-01-09T15:19:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-09T15:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/president\/?page_id=1347"},"modified":"2025-08-14T16:06:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T16:06:15","slug":"inauguration","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/president\/inauguration\/","title":{"rendered":"Inauguration"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_image=”1357″ bg_position=”left top” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”10%” bottom_padding=”6%” top_padding_phone=”13%” bottom_padding_phone=”3%” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” color_overlay=”#000000″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”top_to_bottom” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin=”5%” 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\/2″ 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][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\/2″ 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

The Inauguration of Daniel J. Ennis<\/span><\/h1>\n

Delta State University’s Ninth President<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][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

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Dr. Daniel J. Ennis, who assumed office on June 1, 2023, was formally installed as Delta State University’s ninth president on Saturday, February 24, 2024<\/strong>. Dr. Michael T. Benson, President of Coastal Carolina University, delivered the inaugural address. The ceremony was the heart of a series of events that celebrated Dr. Ennis and Delta State University.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][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=”center” 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” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” 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”][nectar_btn size=”medium” constrain_group_2=”yes” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” margin_left=”15″ margin_right=”15″ text=”Schedule of Events” url=”https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/president\/inauguration\/#schedule”][nectar_btn size=”medium” constrain_group_2=”yes” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” margin_left=”15″ margin_right=”15″ text=”Accommodations” url=”https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/president\/inauguration\/#accommodations”][nectar_btn size=”medium” constrain_group_2=”yes” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” margin_left=”15″ margin_right=”15″ text=”Delegate Registration” url=”https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/president\/inauguration\/#delegates”][nectar_btn size=”medium” constrain_group_2=”yes” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” margin_left=”15″ margin_right=”15″ text=”Meet Our President” url=”https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/president\/meet-our-president\/”][nectar_btn size=”medium” constrain_group_2=”yes” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” margin_left=”15″ margin_right=”15″ text=”Donate” url=”https:\/\/deltastategiving.org\/campaign\/inauguration\/”][nectar_btn size=”medium” constrain_group_2=”yes” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” margin_left=”15″ margin_right=”15″ text=”Sponsors” url=”https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/president\/inauguration\/#sponsors”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][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”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][vc_column_text]\n

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Inaugural Ceremony<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

The Inaugural Ceremony, or investiture, is an academic tradition originating in English universities. The word \u201cinvestiture\u201d comes from the Latin phrase for \u201cdress in robe,\u201d and this term used in academia refers to the donning of the university’s regalia.<\/p>\n

The Inaugural Ceremony is an important institutional event that formally marks a new era of leadership. The event includes many academic traditions and protocols, including an academic procession with delegates from other colleges and universities, as well as faculty of the host institution. The ceremony typically features musical selections, greetings from university and community groups, introduction of the president, an address, the official transfer of institutional leadership, and the singing of the Alma Mater.<\/p>\n

Watch the Inaugural Ceremony of Dr. Daniel J. Ennis<\/a><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][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” id=”schedule” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][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”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][vc_column_text]\n

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Schedule of Events<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner 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\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Monday, Feb. 19<\/span><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]3 – 4 PM<\/strong>
\nCentennial Lecture
\nJobe Hall
\n<\/em>Livestream<\/a><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_column_text]4 – 4:30 PM<\/strong>
\nReception following Centennial Lecture
\nJobe Hall<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Thursday, Feb. 22<\/span><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]7 – 9 AM<\/strong>
\nFaculty and Staff Breakfast
\nH.L. Nowell Student Union, State Room
\n<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_column_text]11:30 AM – 1:30 PM<\/strong>
\nStudent Luncheon
\nH.L. Nowell Student Union, Second Floor East Lobby<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”5″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner 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\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Friday, Feb. 23<\/span><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]7:45 AM – 2:30 PM<\/strong>
\nCommunity Service Day in Rolling Fork
\nRolling Fork<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_column_text]6 PM<\/strong>
\nA Delta Celebration for the Inauguration of Daniel J. Ennis
\nGRAMMY Museum Mississippi<\/em>
\n*By invitation only<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Saturday, Feb. 24<\/span><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]\n

8 – 9 AM<\/strong>
\nDelegate Breakfast
\nZeigel Hall
\n*By invitation only<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_column_text]10:30 – 11:30 AM<\/strong>
\nInauguration Ceremony
\nBologna Performing Arts Center
\n<\/em>Livestream<\/a><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_column_text]12 PM<\/strong>
\nInauguration Luncheon
\nH. L. Nowell Student Union, State Room<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][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” id=”delegates” disable_element=”yes” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][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”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][vc_column_text]\n

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Delegate Registration<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Academic delegates are official representatives of other colleges, universities, and higher educational professional organizations and societies. They will join local and state leaders, Foundation Board, Alumni Board, and other representatives in the procession. The university is extremely appreciative to all delegates who will serve as designated representatives of their institutions and organizations at the inauguration of Dr. Daniel J. Ennis.[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][nectar_btn size=”medium” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”default_arrow” text=”Delegates Registration” url=”https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/rd621CFhFG”][vc_column_text]\n

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Regalia
\n<\/strong>Academic regalia is required for official delegates, platform guests, Delta State University faculty and administrators. Delegates must bring their own regalia. If you need assistance in ordering regalia, please email inaguration@deltastate.edu<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][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” id=”accommodations” disable_element=”yes” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][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”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][vc_column_text]\n

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Accommodations and Travel<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner 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\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]The Cotton House<\/strong><\/a>
\n215 Cotton Row, Cleveland, MS 38732
\n(662) 843-7733[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner 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\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]The Lyric Hotel<\/strong><\/a>
\n1300 Highway 8 West, Cleveland, MS 38732
\n(662) 441-3901
\n$149 plus tax (use code: DSU Inauguration)<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][toggles style=”default”][toggle color=”Default” title=”Airports and Transportation”][vc_column_text]The nearest international airports are located in Memphis, Tennessee (110 miles north of Cleveland) and Jackson, Mississippi (130 miles southeast of Cleveland). The nearest municipal airport is located within Cleveland\u2019s city limits. Guests arriving by commercial flights in Memphis or Jackson may utilize rental car services.<\/p>\n

Memphis International Airport<\/a>
\nJackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport<\/a>
\nCleveland Municipal Airport<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” title=”Directions from Jackson, MS”][vc_column_text]Driving directions from Jackson to Delta State University:<\/p>\n