Delta State University Alumni Magazine Summer/Fall 2018

SUMMER/FALL 2018

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2 • Delta State Magazine • Winter/Spring 2018

CONTENTS FEATURES

14

Ronnie Mayers: Delta Ambassador

18

Loving the Levee

The Delta State alumnus, director of aquatics, and director of athletics retires at the end of the year.

Football fans tailgate, family-style, inside Parker Field-McCool Stadium while cheering the home team.

20 The Secret to Student Success

22

elta State offers students help with fundamentals, D with finesse, and with so much more.

A Perfect Pairing

Delta State and Bolivar Medical Center collaborate on healthcare needs at both sites and beyond.

DEPARTMENTS 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

CLASS NOTES:

3

ALUMNI MESSAGE

26 ALUMNI AWARDS GALA

4

AROUND THE QUAD

27 OTHER HOMECOMING HIGHLIGHTS

FedEx aviation scholarships; employer listening session; Pig Pickin’; international Thanksgiving; Culture on the Quad; Jimmy Wilson; Valencia Payne; Local Government Leadership Institute; Delta Mayors’ Summit; International Business Symposium; Amanda Robinson; improving student outcomes; writing skills initiative; McNair Research Scholars; elementary school book program; International Conference on the Blues; spring 2018 commencement; Colloquia Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series; Zack Shannon; Mike Kinnison

24

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: TIM COLBERT

25

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: LAYLA YOUNG

27 CHAPTER UPDATES 28 ALUMNI UPDATES 29

FUTURE STATESMEN & LADY STATESMEN

29

MARRIAGES/UNIONS

30

IN MEMORIAM

ON THE COVER: Athletics legend Ronnie Mayers retires at the end of this year after 42 years of service to his alma mater. Photo by Austin Britt.

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends, On the heels of a very good year, including increases in both enrollment and retention, Delta State is moving forward with considerable progress in many areas.

We have several academic programs in growth mode, including nursing, Delta Music Institute (DMI), Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, as well as aviation. I am also pleased to report that our international programs are booming. In addition to boosting enrollment of international students (the number has doubled in four years to 156 students from 48 countries), Delta State has developed relationships with seven foreign institutions in the last four years. This past year was the first full year of operation of our new Study Abroad program, and eight faculty and staff and four students engaged in teaching or learning experiences in Australia, China, South Korea, and Poland.

Our faculty colleagues are doing an incredible job educating our students and helping to prepare them for graduate school and the job market. I cannot possibly note all the great achievements of the university academy during the past year. However, I can point you to the link on our website that lists an impressive array of accomplishments and progress by our academic units—www.deltastate.edu/president/ accomplishments.

Our educational partnership with GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi continues to prosper, and we are excited about the incredible new season of performances at the Bologna Performing Arts Center (BPAC). Our focus on music continues with the addition of the “music across campus” program that includes strategically placed speakers located in nearly all quarters of the campus that project music and programs from the campus radio station. Also, we added a course in the Beatles this year in the DMI program, which includes a partnership with the Cavern Club in Liverpool, England, where the Beatles made their name.

Over the summer, we welcomed Rick Munroe as our new vice president for advancement and external relations. Rick’s portfolio includes development and fundraising, foundation and alumni activities, communications and marketing, mailing and printing services, and government relations. And, marking the end of an era, long-time Delta State stalwart and Athletic Director, Ronnie Mayers, announced his retirement, which is effective Dec. 31.

In intercollegiate athletics, last year’s teams in football, women’s and men’s basketball, swim/dive, golf, and baseball all participated in postseason play, giving our student-athletes incredible experiences and times they will never forget. Baseball’s first baseman Zack Shannon was selected NCAA Division II player of the year and was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks, and right fielder Clay Casey was selected as a “Top Ten” student-athlete in the Gulf South Conference.

This past spring featured our fifth successful race relations conference, our 13th annual International Business Symposium sponsored by alumnus David Abney and his wife, Sherry, and a distinguished lecture series presentation by FedEx founder and CEO Fred Smith. And, we finished our first year of the new Local Government Leadership Institute, which provides basic training to municipal officials around the Delta.

We recently put the finishing touches on Zeigel Hall and Young-Mauldin Dining Hall renovations, and Statesmen Boulevard is now open to traffic to our athletic complex off of Highway 8. A major lighting project has brightened the campus to provide enhanced safety, easier nighttime passage, and an eye-catching aesthetic appeal that draws people to our university.

In the budget arena, we received a very small increase in revenue—essentially flat funding—from the state for our general operating budget, and we are increasing tuition this year by five percent, for a total tuition of $7,076 annually. However, we still offer the third lowest tuition rate of the public universities in the state, which is certainly a higher education bargain by any measurement.

Through creative savings strategies and the tuition increase, we were able to provide a modest, yet much-needed and well-deserved, pay raise for faculty and staff for the first time in three years. We also elevated all minimum wage earners to a living wage of $22,000.

In the fundraising arena, the university and foundation chalked up a number of major gifts. BPAC patroness Anita Bologna announced a seven-figure pledge to continue supporting and growing the Bologna Performing Arts Center. The Hearin Foundation provided $200,000 in scholarships for students, plus $80,000 for a pilot project using our planetarium and science labs to showcase the importance of STEM studies and careers to Delta school children. Our local partner and supporter, the Bolivar Medical Foundation, is generously supporting a new simulation lab for the School of Nursing to the tune of $200,000. The Casey Family Foundation, headed by alumnus Dr. William Bell, is not only supporting our race relations conference and Local Government Leadership Institute, but is also engaging with Delta State to develop a cutting-edge educational program in public schools that will benefit the Delta. At convocation in August, we announced a $1.5 million pledge from the Delta Regional Foundation, headed by alumnus Charlie McGuffee, to support a variety of academic and athletic programs on campus.

The 2018-19 academic year promises to be another dynamic year for the Green and White, and I look forward to welcoming you back to campus for one of our many events! Please enjoy the stories and updates in the following pages.

Very best regards,

William N. LaForge ’72 President

Follow President LaForge on social media, including his Fireside Chat! Visit deltastate.edu/president for more info.

2 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

www.deltastate.edu

ALUMNI MESSAGE Dear Alumni and Friends, It is a great time to be a Statesman! It has been privilege to serve our university and fellow alumni as president of the Delta State University Alumni Association. The past two years have gone by extremely fast, and while I am proud of all that we were able to accomplish, there is still so much more I want to see done. And while I will no longer be at the helm, I am looking forward to continuing to serve along with my other alumni.

I want to thank the Alumni Association staff for working tirelessly to host meetings and events throughout the region and country that promote Delta State. I also want to take this opportunity to thank our corporate sponsors: Bolivar Medical Center, Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi, Renasant Bank, AirEvac Lifeteam, and State Farm agent Patrick Davis. You are instrumental in making our numerous alumni events successful.

Over the past two years, we officially launched the Alumni App; partnered with Career Services to host the inaugural “Passport to Success,” a signature event that allows us to connect with our newest alumni; and implemented a new alumni chapter model that enhances local chapter involvement and that we are looking forward to spreading to all of our chapters. We also stepped up Pig Pickin’ in a number of ways, including making it a Memphis BBQ Network competition event.

I want to encourage you all to keep in touch via many social media forums: Facebook-Statesmen Graduates, Instagramdsualumni, and Twitter-@DSU_Alumni. I also want to encourage you to do more than just keep in touch—help us make DSU the best it can be by staying involved as active alumni. There are so many great ways for you to support your alma mater, including volunteering at a local chapter, participating in student referrals, hiring Delta State graduates, and purchasing a DSU car tag. I continue to encourage all of you to seek out ways to get involved and serve our university; you will get so much out of what you contribute.

Thank you all for allowing me to serve you and join me in welcoming my successor, Patrick Davis, with a sincere and hearty, “Go Statesmen!”

Sayward Fortner ’04 National Alumni Association President

Sayward Fortner and President William N. LaForge congratulate Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and Hall of Fame inductee Peter Woods ‘89 at the Alumni Awards Gala held in November.

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 3

CAMPUS AROUND THE QUAD

Delta State to Receive $500,000 from FedEx for Aviation Scholarships

Left to right: Cris Perkins, Tennessee College of Applied Technology; Dr. Stephen McCaskey, Indiana State University; Dr. Debra West, Arkansas State University Mid-South; Bill West, FedEx Express; Tim Leonard, FedEx Express; Scott Ogden, FedEx Express; Kent Lovelace, University of North Dakota; Dr. Billy Moore, dean of Delta State University’s College of Business and Aviation; and Dr. Joanne Gikas, University of Memphis gather at FedEx headquarters in Memphis on Oct. 18 for the announcement of the FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship program. It’s a collaboration with six universities and technical schools from around the country to provide valuable education and training for aspiring pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and other aviation professionals.

Delta State University will receive $500,000 from FedEx over the next five years to support aviation scholarships intended to help offset climbing educational costs to train the next generation of aviation professionals.

Delta State is one of only six universities nationwide selected for the grants under the new FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship Program.

“I am very pleased and grateful that FedEx has chosen to provide Delta State’s Aviation Program with this generous funding for critical scholarship support that will assist our aviation students and help prepare the next generation of commercial pilots,” said Delta State President William N. LaForge. “As Delta State grows its flight operations capabilities to meet the increasing industry demand for pilots in the years ahead, it is doubly important that these scholarships will incentivize our aviation graduates to continue at Delta State as instructors. This partnership cycle is a win-win situation for FedEx and its future need for pilots, as well as for Delta State and our aviation students. I would label the FedEx-Delta State collaboration as ‘the perfect launch!’”

David Cunningham, president and CEO of FedEx Express, said the U.S. education system should sharpen its focus on preparing young people for the good-paying jobs in the aviation industry that are needed to support growing international and domestic trade.

“E-commerce is driving increasing demands on both air and ground transportation networks at a time when large numbers of workers in these fields are retiring, or nearing retirement,” Cunningham said. “We are working with schools to strengthen the pipeline of talented and diverse pilots, mechanics, and other aviation professionals. The FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship 4 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

helps lay that foundation for an individual to have a promising and successful career in the industry that FedEx Express created.”

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., the world’s largest express transportation company, created the FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship program to support aspiring pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and other aviation specialists. Also receiving the grants are University of Memphis, University of North Dakota, Indiana State University, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, and Arkansas State University Mid-South.

The scholarships build on FedEx’s Purple Runway project launched in April to promote aviation careers through collaborations with select colleges and universities—including Delta State— and assist feeder aircraft operators in recruiting and retaining pilots and eventually qualifying them for opportunities at FedEx. Frederick W. Smith, founder, chairman and CEO of FedEx, delivered the keynote speech at Delta State’s Colloquia Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series in March, planting the seed for the ongoing partnership between the two entities.

Delta State College of Business and Aviation Dean Billy C. Moore, who attended the announcement at FedEx’s headquarters in Memphis in mid-October, said, “The mission of the College of Business and Aviation is to prepare our students for the marketplace.

We understand that our success is not the product of individual efforts but partnerships between creative and dedicated people and organizations. This scholarship represents such a partnership and is a tribute to FedEx’s commitment to supporting individuals to fulfill their dreams of becoming a pilot and highlights the wonderful job our Commercial Aviation Department does in preparing well-educated and engaged pilots.”

First Employer Listening Session Draws Rave Reviews

Area employers broke out into small groups at Delta State University’s Employer Listening Session, held on Nov. 1 to discuss their workforce needs and ways that Delta State can help meet them.

More than two dozen area employers convened at Delta State University’s first Employer Listening Session on Nov. 1 to share workplace needs and potential ways the campus could help fill them.

Representatives from a wide variety of sectors across the nonprofit, for-profit, and public service realms—including healthcare, telecommunications, finance, government, utilities, hospitality, automotive, and law enforcement—expressed curiosity and eagerness throughout the half-day event. Delta State administrators and professors moderated. An optional tour of some of the university’s

one-of-a-kind offerings concluded the program.

The free-flowing and enthusiastic exchange, which incorporated small-group assignments via industry type and a similarly arranged networking lunch, addressed three main questions: skills employers expect from Delta State graduates (and all college graduates), skills employers want recent graduates to improve on, and additional skills employers would like their current employees to have.

Or, as Charles McAdams, Delta State provost and vice president for academic affairs—and organizer of the meeting of the minds— put it in his introductory remarks: Employers and schools must “keep up with the times” as well as anticipate “jobs that don’t even exist yet.” The intent of the Employer Listening Session, he summarized, was “to meet your needs for current and future employees.”

That rang true to Tredrick Johnson, corporate director of environmental health and safety and training at Quality Steel, which is based in Cleveland. “The most interesting thing for me was hearing that other employers are seeing the same needs and disparities,” he said. “And I Iiked the fact that the university is reaching out about this.”

Carlean Horton, administrative officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service in Stoneville, agreed.

“It was interesting to hear from other businesses,” she said, “and to know that Delta State administration is interested in the skills gaps and what tools that students need to focus on.”

Others mentioned how helpful it would be to increase applied educational experiences in the undergraduate programs, especially in business, criminal justice, and computer information systems.

Photo Highlights from the 33rd Annual Pig Pickin’ on Sept. 21-22

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 5

CAMPUS AROUND THE QUAD

International Thanksgiving Dinner Russian meat pies, Korean gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and Bangladeshi gulab jamun (fried sweet dough) joined turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie at the second annual Thanksgiving dinner for Delta State University international students, faculty, and staff. It took place on Nov. 11 on the second floor of the H. L. Nowell Student Union.

What else was on the menu for attendees? Chinese dumplings, Bulgarian snejanka (yogurt-based salad), Ghanaian jollof (one-pot rice steeped in flavors), South Asian biriyani (rice cooked with chicken and flavored spices), and Egyptian konafa (shredded, filled pastry)—and American staples.

“As an international student, you are far away from your beloved family and you cannot join them for an event like Thanksgiving,” said AHM Ali Reza, a native of Jhenaidah, Bangladesh; associate professor of biology; and president of Delta State’s International Faculty and Staff Association (IFSA), which organized the free meal. “Almost all the international faculty and staff members had to go through this situation. IFSA members feel the pain of the international students

and would like to extend their love by offering a Thanksgiving dinner at the Delta State campus.”

That’s why sophomore aviation management major Hasin Sadik Karim, who hails from Dhaka, Bangladesh, went both years. “This event helps international students, faculty, and staff members reunite together and gives a great opportunity to socialize with one another,” he said. “This also gives international students the opportunity to taste food from their home country as well as other different countries.”

The feast reinforces Delta State’s record enrollment of 156 international students from 48 countries.

A loving touch is the point, said Sofiya Dahman, administrative secretary at the Roberts-LaForge Library. An IFSA member, she comes from Sofia, Bulgaria. “Here in the Mississippi Delta, it is very important to work toward better understanding of cultural differences and promoting multicultural programs, along with appreciating the life and traditions of the American South. I realize from my personal experience—I just packed two suitcases and traveled through the ocean—how hard it is to make a place away from home into a new home. It takes bravery, grit, determination, but most of all support and friendships. I hope that our international students meet friends for life here at DSU and I want to help them connect them with those of us who have already begun our stories abroad.”

The event was sponsored by the Office of the President, Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs, DSU Foundation, Student Success Center, Diversity Committee, and Quality Enhancement Plan.

The Debut of Culture on the Quad International Festival Delta State University’s Office of Student Affairs presented the first annual international festival “Culture on the Quad” on the university quadrangle on April 24.

Students, faculty, staff and the community congregated for an afternoon of food, fun, entertainment and enlightenment. This year’s theme was “The Global Statesmen.”

A panel discussion, dance lessons, a featured speaker and fashion show (pictured) were highlighted at the festival.

Dr. Vernell Bennett, vice president for Student Affairs, said there was a lot of buzz around the event.

“We worked with an advisory panel of international students and the International Faculty Association to plan this occasion,” said Bennett. “Everything from the cuisine to the entertainment spotlighted the international culture that our students bring to the Delta. The large tent housed food and exhibits manned by international students and faculty, who spoke to their countries of origin.”

The main stage programming included the professional dance troupe Bollywood Touch. The troupe also gave the audience a lesson.

“This was a university-wide event that highlights how global our campus actually is,” said senior international business major Marwa Cherraf, an international student from Morocco, a vice presidential intern for the Office of Student Affairs, and a member 6 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

of the International Student Association. “We wanted to include the community, faculty and students in the celebration of multiculturalism at DSU. This was a great opportunity for American and international students to come together to have fun.”

Alumni Support Scholarships Alumni and friends of Delta State University continue to support DSU. Here are some recent generous donors.

The education that insurance executive Jimmy Wilson received from Delta State University has proven so indispensable over his 50year career that he has pledged $100,000 to his alma mater as a way of expressing appreciation.

“I get very emotional when talking about what John Yurkow meant to me personally and professionally,” he said of the late chair emeritus of the Department of Accountancy and Delta State accounting professor from 1958 until 1986. “It is with my deepest thanks to him that I pledge $100,000 to the John Yurkow Accounting Scholarship Fund.”

Wilson also owes a debt of gratitude to the late Dr. Ira Castles, who taught economics at Delta State from 1959 to 1976. “I minored in economics and took every course available from him,” Wilson recalled.

“The economic courses have been invaluable to me in my business.”

That business is the Clarksdale-based Fiser Insurance Agency. It opened in 1954. Wilson joined in 1968 shortly upon graduating from Delta State. He became president in 2002 and still serves in that role.

Born in Clarksdale, Miss., Wilson graduated from Clarksdale-Coahoma High School in 1964. A first-generation college student, he worked his way through college—another reason for his six-figure gift.

“I now realize that a college education is much more than what is accomplished in the classroom,” said Wilson. “I learned how to be self-sufficient, having to work at Douglas & Lomason [an automotive seating systems manufacturer] and then at Baxter [a global medical products company] in Cleveland to pay for my college education. My family had very little and so I did what I had to do to pay my own way.

I left Delta State without owing a penny to anyone.”

Delta State accounting alumnus and benefactor Jimmy Wilson (center right) and his wife, Pam, listen to senior accounting major Marshal Salley (center left) introduce him as Delta State President William N. LaForge watches on Nov. 15.

...

Wilson cited membership in the first pledge class of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity at Delta State in 1965 as an additional motivation for giving back. “One year, 10 of us played a continuous game of basketball as a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that earned us a spot in the Guinness World Book of Records,” he remembered. “I am saying all this to let you know that I did not just get an education. I got a life experience that has helped guide me all these years.”

Growing up with a doctor for a daddy, Valencia Payne was surrounded by medicine and the healing and care his office provided in Greenville, Miss. The family practitioner would come home and teach her and her younger brother medical terminology. The little girl even had a toy medical bag. That early interest in medicine grew as she did, ultimately leading her to Delta State University, where Payne earned a BSN in 2008. Her career has encompassed a wide range of responsibilities and opportunities in medicine: nurse, inventor, entrepreneur. Payne’s repeated successes Valencia Payne BSN 08 (right) and Dr. Vicki Bingham, dean of Delta along the way also resulted in Delta State’s State’s nursing school, announce Payne’s new scholarship for AfriRobert E. Smith School of Nursing naming can-American and Latino-American nursing students in November.

her its 2017 Outstanding Alumnus.

Now Payne is helping some of today’s School of Nursing students find their own way with a scholarship. The $2,000 scholarship ($1,000 per semester) will be awarded to an African-American or Latino-American nursing student beginning in fall 2019.

“My parents always taught us: ‘Since you’ve been blessed, you always give back to others.’ My mom instilled that in us,” said Payne. “I see the need for diversity in my career. We’re all family on this planet. We need more African-American nurses and more Latino nurses. That persuaded me to start a scholarship.”

Other recent gifts to Delta State: $3 million in March from the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation to create and maintain the Center for Teaching and Learning; $1.5 million in August from the Delta Regional Foundation, whose president is Charlie McGuffee ’67, for the capital campaign to support academics, scholarships, athletics, and the foundation; $1.3 million in April from Anita Bologna for the Bologna Performing Arts Center; $150,000 in September from Billy Nowell ’72, mayor of the city of Cleveland, and his wife, Becky Nowell ’81, for various scholarships; and $150,000 in September from the Tri State Educational Foundation to support graduate students pursuing the master of education degree in elementary education.

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 7

CAMPUS AROUND THE QUAD

New Local Government Leadership Institute In conjunction with Delta State University’s fifth annual Delta Mayors’ Summit on June 19, Delta State President William N. LaForge and Mississippi State University President Dr. Mark E. Keenum hosted a press conference to announce a partnership between the two universities to benefit local government leaders.

The new program, termed the Local Government Leadership Institute (LGLI), assists and supports local officials of the Mississippi Delta in addressing governance challenges by providing activities, training, and tools to assist them in running their municipalities effectively and efficiently.

Since November 2017, the Local Government Leadership Institute, in partnership with the John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development at Mississippi State and the Mississippi Municipal League, has provided training for 130-plus elected leaders representing nearly 35 Delta cities and towns. Through the Leadership Institute, participants have collectively earned more than 225 Certified Municipal Officer elective hours offered by the Mississippi Municipal League.

“Delta State is very pleased to partner with Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Municipal League to provide this unique training experience for local government officials,” said LaForge. “The university’s vision for, collaboration with, and improvement of our Delta communities is well served by this dynamic program.”

Keenum agreed. “Mississippi State University and the Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development are very pleased to partner with Delta State University and the Mississippi Municipal League to deliver education and training opportunities through the

Local Government Leadership Institute,” he said.

LGLI seeks to cultivate more knowledgeable, skilled, and effective municipal leaders and managers; improve local government services and environment for business, education, and citizens; enhance community relations; increase public trust in local government; advance public civility and racial harmony; and improve the community’s economy and quality of life.

“We believe that well-managed local governments are important not only to the citizens they serve, but also to the businesses, industries and other institutions that are located in those communities,” said Delta State’s Dr. Temika Simmons, who directs the program. “The leadership, management, and infrastructure provided by local governments are key elements in a community’s delivery of services and quality of life efforts. As a civic and institutional partner, Delta State University is committed to providing the support needed by our local elected leaders as they continue their work to strengthen and grow the Mississippi Delta jewel that we call home.”

Fifth Annual Delta Mayors’ Summit

Mayors from across the Mississippi Delta gathered at Delta State on June 19 for the fifth annual Delta Mayors’ Summit.

The university invited local mayors to engage in discussion about campus and community activities, and to continue forging collaborations and partnerships in the region.

This year’s meeting focused on the Local Government Leadership Institute’s (LGLI) inaugural year of training sessions. Dr. Temika Simmons, director of LGLI, along with LaForge and President Mark Keenum of Mississippi State University, recognized those in attendance 8 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

who participated in the inaugural training sessions.

Mayors were given the opportunity to discuss popular themes from the first year of training, and they offered suggestions on additional topics to be discussed in year two. The platform also included an overall campus update and a summary of university initiatives, including updates on campus projects and a tuition increase.

LaForge was pleased to build on the success of previous summits, a conference he instituted after becoming president in 2013.

“The fifth annual Mayors’ Summit was another success for Delta State in engaging and collaborating with the mayors in the Delta,” said LaForge. “We discussed some issues vital to all of us who call the Delta home, and we also set the stage for additional program content for the Local Government Leadership Institute. I am grateful to the mayors of the Delta for coming to campus to participate in our summit, and I look forward to working with them throughout the coming year.”

Desiree Norwood, mayor of Sunflower, was thankful to take part in the program.

“This summit is certainly beneficial, especially for newly-elected officials,” said Norwood. “It’s a learning process for new mayors, and Delta State University has created this program to help with that—to teach us about issues and concerns. We can use this program to find resources for our towns, but it’s also an opportunity to network with other municipalities.”

Alumnus David Abney, UPS Head, Urges Restoring Trust

Dr. David Abney ’76 and ’15, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of United Parcel Service, returned to his alma mater to speak at the 14th annual International Business Symposium.

Dr. David Abney ’76 and ’15, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of United Parcel Service, stressed the importance of trust in his keynote address at Delta State University’s 14th annual International Business Symposium in mid-October. He used lessons learned from the Great Recession to discuss the imperative of reestablishing faith in businesses, government, and beyond.

Ten years after the Great Recession, America and the world still suffer from “a crisis of confidence,” he explained on the evening of Oct. 11 in Jobe Hall to kick off the two-day event, which was themed “The Global Financial Market.” People’s homes went underwater or

were foreclosed. They stopped spending. Businesses scaled back or closed. The job market shriveled. “And one big spiral resulted,” he said, causing “business, political, and societal consequences” and “a loss of trust in our communities, financial institutions, government, and leadership in general.”

The $700 billion bailout for banks too big to fail resulted in new regulations and guidelines, he continued, and the country wound up split on fundamental divides because of a “big break of the social contract between Main Street and Wall Street.” Restoring credibility has become key.

One way Abney said that he seeks credibility: telling drivers that over the span of his 20 jobs in 44 years at UPS, he did theirs for four years. Abney began his career as a part-time UPS package loader while in college at Delta State before rising to become the 11th CEO in its 111-year history. He and his wife, Sherry, established the symposium in 2006.

Abney posed for selfies with students after his talk and chatted with scores of students individually.

Other symposium speakers included former U.S. ambassador to Tanzania, Mike Retzer, CEO and owner of Retzer Resources, the largest McDonald’s franchisee in the nation, with 101 stores; Delta State alumnus Arian Maliqi (B.A. in business administration in 2010; MBA in 2011), CFO of Press-Seal Corp., which provides infrastructure products for underground collection systems; and Dr. Darrin Webb, state economist and director of the University Research Center, a division of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.

Mike Retzer

Arian Maliqi

Darrin Webb

Alumna Amanda Robinson Named Interim Director of Alumni Relations Delta State graduate Amanda Langston Robinson—B.F.A. in graphic design in 2010—has been named interim director of alumni relations for 2018. She had been assistant director.

“I am extremely grateful for this wonderful opportunity. Delta State University holds a special place in my heart, and I am so happy to call this home,” she said. “I look forward to engaging with our alumni, enhancing alumni experiences back on campus, working with current students to become more knowledgeable of the Alumni Association, and hearing what DSU means to our alumni. These connections are vital to our program.”

Earlier, Robinson was senior secretary for Alumni before becoming assistant director.

Before that she was senior secretary for the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. As a student, she cheered for the Statesmen her senior year. Amanda also is the alumni association’s representative for the campus administrative staff council.

Morgan Robinson ‘10 and Amanda Langston Robinson ‘10 at the Alumni Awards Gala in November.

She and her husband, Morgan Robinson ’10, have one daughter, Shelby.

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 9

CAMPUS AROUND THE QUAD

Improving Student Outcomes A study of 4,602 student grades from 314 course sections at Delta State University found that students taught by faculty who earned a teaching credential through the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) had significantly higher success rates than students taught by faculty who are not yet participating in the program.

The analysis examined grades and completion data for all students enrolled in 144 course sections taught by ACUE-credentialed faculty and 170 course sections taught by matched control faculty members during the 2017-18 academic year, representing a total of 4,602 student enrollments. Initial findings show that students taught by faculty who earned an ACUE teaching credential had nearly a 4 percent higher rate of earning As, Bs, Cs, or CRs than students in the sections taught by matched faculty: 86.5 percent versus 82.8 percent, respectively. Students who received Ds, Fs, and NCs or withdrew from courses taught by ACUE faculty totaled 11.8 percent compared to 15.3 percent for those taught by matched faculty.

“We’ve improved the prospects of 88 students—approximately 12 percent of our current freshman class,” said Dr. Charles McAdams, Delta State provost and vice president for academic affairs, in an article published by The Hechinger Report. “And we’ve increased the odds of graduating nearly 3 percent more of our students.”

He added: “We shouldn’t be surprised that good teaching can have this kind of an impact, [and] our work has just begun.”

Delta State, through a $3 million grant from the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation, is credentialing all of its new faculty through ACUE and working on a plan to credential all current faculty. Fac-

ulty are working with their colleagues and a facilitator to learn about and implement evidence-based teaching practices.

“The preliminary findings indicate a more substantive improvement than just the numbers tell,” said Dr. Gray Kane, director of the Gertrude C. Ford Center for Teaching and Learning at Delta State.

“The new faculty who obtained the ACUE credential were compared with a control group of more experienced professors. The new faculty’s students outperformed the veteran faculty’s students. Credentialing veteran faculty could lead to even higher gains.”

In partnership with Delta State and other colleges and universities nationwide, ACUE prepares and credentials faculty members in evidence-based teaching practices through comprehensive, online courses, developed in collaboration with and endorsed by the American Council on Education. Aligned with the latest research in cognition and adult learning, ACUE’s courses address more than 200 teaching strategies across core competencies such as designing an effective course, establishing a productive learning environment, using active learning techniques, promoting higher-order thinking, and utilizing assessments to inform instruction and promote learning.

“We’re delighted to see the tangible impact ACUE-credentialed educators are having on student achievement,” said Dr. Penny MacCormack, ACUE’s chief academic officer. “Faculty spend more time with students than any other college professional, and when students have professors who regularly utilize evidence-based teaching practices, demonstrating they care about students and believe they can be successful, it changes students’ lives.”

Delta State Launches Writing Skills Initiative Delta State’s Academic Council approved a new platform to increase writing skills on campus that replaces the current Writing Proficiency Requirement for graduation.

The new Writing Skills Initiative, which took effect in fall 2018, focuses on enhancing academic writing experiences and expectations in writing across all disciplines. Through the initiative, academic departments have developed, increased, and identified discipline-specific requirements that seek to increase students’ writing skills at the collegiate level in each major.

Development and enhancement of writing skills is a shared responsibility of the two required composition courses in the General Education program and upper-division, enhanced writing courses.

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Charles McAdams said an emphasis on writing within disciplines will enhance academic standards, rather than relying on a barrier exam that data show did not achieve intended results.

“Writing skills are an important element in the education of Delta State students,” said McAdams. “We are committed to helping our students develop into proficient writers in their discipline. Several faculty committees have studied how to improve the previous Writing Proficiency Requirement, and the new Writing Skills Initiative is the result of that study.

Numerous universities across the country have used a similar model for many years with very positive results.”

Academic Council indicated that English Composition I and II courses should provide a foundation for college-level writing, focusing on 10 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

grammar and mechanics of writing—while the writing-enhanced courses within majors are designed to expand the written communication skills of students, within the context of the student’s chosen major.

Each major will identify two upper-division (300 or 400 level) required courses.

Dr. Beverly Moon, dean of Graduate & Continuing Studies and Research, is excited to improve student writing across the board.

“We are thrilled that our faculty have embraced the idea of directly impacting their students’ writing abilities within the individual disciplines,” said Moon. “The writing products that come out of upper-level courses will showcase our students’ abilities to move into the workplace or on to professional schools.”

The courses selected will be reviewed by the appropriate dean and reported to the provost. The assessment of writing skills in the two writingenhanced courses will count for at least 20 percent of a student’s final grade.

Dr. David Breaux, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, added, “When talking to potential employers about what they believe our students need to be successful, they always mention the need for them to have good written communication skills,” said Breaux. “Requiring each of our degree programs to incorporate enhanced writing requirements into at least two of their upper-level courses will afford students opportunities to hone their writing skills within the context of their chosen academic majors. This will hopefully make them more competitive on the job market and a better employee.”

McNair Research Scholars Travel

Book It!

The McNair Scholars who attended the conference, left to right: front row, Stevena King, Zaria Nolan, Kashyla Brooks, Syed Mohammed Amanuddin, and Johvan HillDick; second row, Abigail Hynum, Jakayla Washington, Alexis Austin, Hertayshia Thomas, Joelle Dick, and Quincy Hughes; third row, Dakota Conway, Khyla Grant, Ashley Griffin, Denicia Diew, and Nicholas Walters.

Bell Academy students in Teresa Pongetti’s second grade class hold up their copies of The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System.

The McNair Research Scholars traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico, Oct 3-6 to attend the 2018 University of New Mexico McNair Scholars Research Conference. The conference theme was “Discover the Power of Networking!” The 16 Delta State McNair Scholars networked with McNair Scholars from 49 other institutions and more than 100 graduate and professional schools. Also during the conference, six Delta State McNair Scholars presented their research from the McNair Summer Research Experience.

Students at Bell Academy, Pearman Elementary, Parks Elementary, D. M. Smith Elementary, and Presbyterian Day School received reduced-price copies of The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System in October as part of the Read It, See It, Be It program at the Bologna Performing Arts Center (BPAC).

Operating in conjunction with the School-Time Matinee Series, BPAC provides copies of books on which matinee performances are based for $1 per copy to students who attend the shows, as well as free study guides for teachers. Nearly 1,000 books have been given to K-5 students as part of the program.

Fifth Annual Blues Conference

Delta State University’s fifth annual International Conference on the Blues celebrated the region’s connections to the art form by honoring blues legends and investigating gospel music’s links to it. The event took place Sept. 29-Oct. 2. The theme was “Spirit of the Blues.”

Blues legend Muddy Waters was commemorated with a family reunion concert. The rising star Trombone Shorty appeared. The Coahoma Community College Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Kelvin Towers, presented a gospel showcase. In addition, Grammy Award-winning scholar Elijah Wald gave a talk, “The Uncensored History of Jelly Roll Morton’s Blues.” And Charles Reagan Wilson, professor emeritus of history and former director of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at University of Mississippi, delivered

the keynote address, “The Spiritual Crossroads of the Mississippi Delta: Regional, Global and Religious.” Don Allan Mitchell, conference co-chair and chair of the languages and literature department at Delta State, said, “We cannot study the blues without an understanding of the African-American culture that produced it. That’s why we continue to approach the blues as a path to scholarly discourse. As Mississippi is the cradle for much of American music, the state’s past is vital to African-American history and culture.”

Highlights from Spring Commencement, May 5, 2018

Left: 493 graduates. Center: Honorary doctorate recipient Mavis Staples, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member and Blues Hall of Fame inductee. Right: S. E. Kossman Outstanding Teacher Award recipient and math professor Dr. Clifton Wingard (center), Provost Charles McAdams (left) , and President William N. LaForge.

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 11

CAMPUS AROUND THE QUAD

NCAA President Discusses Progress in College Sports College sports through the NCAA prioritize fairness, academics, and safety while combatting commercialism, said NCAA President Dr. Mark Emmert during his talk, “College Sports: A Pathway to Opportunity,” at Delta State University’s Fall 2018 Colloquia Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series on Oct. 9 in Jobe Hall.

NCAA President Dr. Mark Emmert stressed the importance of mindfulness in his talk, “College Sports: A Pathway to Opportunity,” on Oct. 9, 2018, in Jobe Hall.

The NCAA stresses the importance of rules, takes care of student-athletes physically and emotionally, and “is devoted to the human development business of higher education,” he explained, citing historical examples of the formation of college sports and of the NCAA. Emmert also acknowledged that work remained to be done on those fronts.

The NCAA dates to 1906. The initial pool of 65 participating schools now totals approximately 1,100 colleges and universities,

with almost 20,000 teams and approaching 500,000 student-athletes, pointed out Emmert, who joined the NCAA in 2010 after serving as president of University of Washington, one of his alma maters.

He called college sports a “uniquely American phenomenon” and stated that graduation rates for student-athletes in NCAA-participating schools is higher than for non-athletes across the board at those institutions. Student-athletes, he added, are more likely after their higher education experience than non-athletes to become leaders, attain financial success, and live healthier.

During a question-and-answer period, Emmert, who earlier in his career held leadership roles at several other universities, said that Division II schools like Delta State strike a good balance between academics and competition—because these student-athletes “major in more than eligibility.”

Other questions he answered covered topics such as transgender student-athletes, coaching contact time versus voluntary time practicing, trends in college athletics, and protecting student-athletes, especially females, from predators.

Emmert, the fifth president of the NCAA, also met with with coaches, student-athletes, professors, and others during his daylong Delta State appearance.

Delta State President William N. LaForge introduced Emmert at the Colloquia and presented him with a Colloquia medallion.

LaForge serves on the NCAA Division II Presidents Council.

LaForge established the Colloquia Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series in 2013 upon his inauguration. The first speaker was former Mississippi Gov. William Winter. Others include former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey, former U.S. Comptroller General Charles Bowsher, and current UPS CEO and chairman of the board, David Abney, a Delta State alumnus.

Shannon Selected by Diamondbacks in 15th Round After a record-setting senior campaign, Delta State University first baseman Zack Shannon was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 15th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft on June 6. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native is the 38th Statesman selected in the draft and the 12th pick since 2012, while joining 2016 draftees Dalton Moats (LHP/15th/Rays), Trent Giambrone (2B/25th/Cubs), and Jacob Howell (RHP/21st/Nationals) on active organizational rosters.

Shannon belted a Mississippi and DSU record 31 home runs and drove in a school single-season record 93 runs. Shannon led the Gulf South Conference (GSC) in home runs, 12 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

RBIs, slugging percentage (.955), and total bases (193).

He started all 53 games, batting .406 with 72 runs scored, 82 hits, 14 doubles, and two triples; walked 35 times; and was hit by a pitch 11 times. Shannon’s 193 total bases rank second on DSU’s single-season total bases list.

Shannon, who was named to the American Baseball Coaches Association All-American team for a second straight year, added to a list of honors that includes the D2CCA and NCBWA National Player of the Year and First-Team All-American, Golden Spikes Award midyear and semifinalist lists, GSC Player of the Year, and First-Team All-GSC, D2CCA, ABCA, and NCWBA South Region Player of the Year and First-Team All-Region.

Baseball Head Coach Mike Kinnison Named Director of Athletics

Mike Kinnison stressed the importance of family—his own and Delta State’s—at the November press conference. He also teared up at the honor of his promotion.

An already remarkable career on the diamond added another chapter on Nov. 12, as Delta State University President William N. LaForge tapped Statesman baseball head coach Mike Kinnison to lead the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Kinnison, the sixth director of athletics in the school’s history, replaces Ronnie Mayers, who is retiring on Dec. 31 after 42 years of service to the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen. (For more about Mayers, see page 14.)

“I am honored to accept the opportunity to lead the department of athletics here at Delta State University,” Kinnison said. “I want to thank President LaForge for his vote of confidence and I want to thank our athletic director search committee. My involvement with the committee showed me they had a definite mindset of what they were looking for. They were very committed, very diligent, and very thorough in the process. Not that it ended with me being the candidate but just the way they went about their business and taking care of our university’s interest. I’m excited about our future and I’m ready to get to work come Jan. 1, 2019.”

LaForge touted Kinnison’s commitment to Delta State during the press conference.

“Not surprisingly, Mike came to the search committee very highly recommended by a wide array of supporters,” President LaForge

said. “We all know he is one of us, he bleeds Green and White to the core. He was the search committee’s hands down top recommendation to me and I couldn’t agree with the committee more. It is my honor to name him to this important position.”

Since 1997, Kinnison, a 2010 inductee into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, has accomplished a career record of 939-299-2 (.756), averaging 43 wins per season as head coach. His all-time career record, including high school, is 1,229-380-2 (.768).

The Statesmen claimed a 3-2 win over Ouachita Baptist on Feb. 9, 2018, to notch Kinnison’s 900th win while the 42-11 record in 2018 was the 14th 40-plus win season for Kinnison.

In his 22 seasons as head coach, Kinnison has guided the Statesmen to the 2004 NCAA Division II national title, six College World Series appearances (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2012, 2017), 14 NCAA South Regional appearances (1999-2005, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), 11 GSC Western Division titles (1997-2005, 2007-2008), six NCAA South/South Central Regional championships, and seven Gulf South Conference titles.

In 2004, he earned the ABCA “National Coach of the Year” award after leading the Statesmen to the program’s first NCAA Division II National Championship. He has also been named the Gulf South Coach of the Year six times and named “Coach of the Decade” by the GSC in 2010.

Kinnison has also coached three American Baseball Coaches Association National Players of the Year: Dee Haynes (2000), Jud Thigpen (2004), and two-time recipient Zack Shannon (2017, 2018).

Before taking over as head coach, Kinnison served as an assistant coach for three seasons under Bill Marchant. Kinnison was an important component to the 1994 and 1996 teams, who accomplished trips to the Gulf South Conference Championships and the College World Series. In his three years as an assistant, the Statesmen compiled a 138-36 (.793) record.

The Benton, Miss., native was a standout shortstop for the DSU legend Dave “Boo” Ferriss from 1977-1978. Kinnison garnered ABCA Second Team All-American honors during the 1978 season.

In that same year, he batted .343 with 25 doubles and 56 RBIs in leading the Statesmen to a second-place finish at the NCAA College World Series. Kinnison held the single-season record for doubles (25tied) before Will Robertson had 28 in 2016 and previously held the record for most games played (62) in a season.

Before returning to his alma mater, Kinnison was an accomplished high school coach in Mississippi. He coached at Lee Academy (1979-81), Jackson Prep (1982-92), and Madison Central (1993).

He claimed three Mississippi Private School Association State Championships at Jackson Prep in 1982, 1990, and 1991. During his prep head-coaching career, Kinnison achieved an overall record of 292-83 (.779).

Kinnison earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics education in 1977 from Delta State. He later earned a master’s degree in mathematics education from DSU in 1978.

Kinnison is married to the former Cindy Colbert of Grenada.

They are the proud parents of Mary Claire and Kate, both Delta State graduates, and they have four grandchildren. Mary Claire has two sons, Bowen and Sam, while Kate has two daughters, Hannah and Libby. Mike and Cindy reside in Cleveland.

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 13

Family, friends, and DSU staff and alumni celebrate with Ronnie Mayers (center, Delta State shirt) in the fall.

16 • Delta State Magazine • Winter/Spring 2018

RONNIE MAYERS:

Delta Ambassador A World Traveler Without Leaving Campus

By Aimee Robinette

H

er tiny, bubble gum toes slid over the edge of the platform. She was a little scared, but looked over to the side of the pool where the smiling, reaffirming face of Ronnie Mayers, swim coach, met her eyes. It seemed a long way to the other end. But encouraged by a nod from the coach, five-year-old Caroline took a deep breath and returned her gaze to the crisp, cool water. The wisp of a girl dove into the pool at Walker Natatorium.

As she made it across lane one with a better-than-average time, Mayers smiled, and a lifelong relationship was born.

“I actually went to Vicksburg for my older sister Julie’s swim meet,” recalled Caroline Work Belvedresi. “She was a member of the Delta Ducks, a swim club that Mayers had started for local youth. We came back on a Sunday and I decided I wanted to swim. My mother took me to the next practice and told Coach Ronnie Mayers I wanted to swim for him.”

During her second year under his tutelage, Caroline, 6, beat the Mississippi state record for the 25-yard backstroke, a record she held for years (until she married). She also held other relay records while Mayers was her coach.

“Ronnie Mayers inspired me,” she said. “He pushed us to our limits, and he did so because he knew we were good swimmers. He would tell us all the time that swimming was the most disciplined sport in life and that, in turn, taught me about discipline in everyday life.”

The inspiration she drew from him also motivated hundreds of Delta State swimmers he’d eventually coach.

Memories like Belvedresi’s are what make his upcoming retirement bittersweet; his last day as director of athletics and director of aquatics will be on Dec. 31. Mayers will soon be able to spend more time with his wife of 44 years, Karen ’74; daughter, Ann Marie Pate ’04; son-in-law Brady, ’08; and grandson, Mabry; as well as volunteer and consult.

Mayers, who graduated from Delta State with a B.S. in education in health, physical education, and recreation in 1974 and a master of education in physical education and recreation in 1975, said he wouldn’t change a thing about his decision to make his life at DSU and Cleveland.

Local, National, and International Ties “I had swimmers from all over the country and the world,” said Mayers, who was head swimming and diving coach from 1983-84 to 2003-04 and became director of athletics five years ago. (He began his career at Delta State as an instructor in the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation in 1976.) “They helped me understand how folks from all over the world want Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 15

the same thing in life. I didn’t have to leave the Delta to become my coach,” said Wiggins. educated. I am a world traveler without leaving campus.”

“I loved my years with the Delta Ducks, and as the team grew, Mandy Lee ’99 also swam for Mayers and said she can Ronnie helped lead the way for teams in Greenwood, Greenville, remember when she met him. and Clarksdale. When I was 12 or 13, we were swimming at Pillow “It was in the summer of 1995 and I was a freshman swimming Academy outside of Greenwood, and Ronnie gave me a ride home recruit from Canada. I was picked up at the Memphis airport from the meet and told me that several coaches asked about me by a graduate assistant who drove me to campus for my official and my great effort and swim from the 200 IM [individual medley] NCAA recruiting visit. When that afternoon. That one little I arrived at the pool, Coach piece of encouragement helped Ronnie was outside the inspire me to train and work pool putting together some harder than I ever had before. new lounge chairs he had He always knew when to say the recently bought for the pool’s right thing at the right time.” outdoor deck,” she said. “He Wiggins, aquatics manager was wearing his signature and district head swimming uniform—a green Delta State and diving coach for Garland golf shirt and khaki shorts. He Independent School District was tanned and in great shape, in Texas, continued: “Ronnie and with the most Southern moved from coaching us to just Left to right: SGA President, history major, and senior diver Charlie King; Presiaccent I had ever heard, he the college team. In the 10th dent LaForge; and sophomore swimmer and business, finance, and accounting said, ‘Welllllcome to Delta and 11th grade, we didn’t have major Allison Brownlee surprise Mayers with the upcoming renaming of the State, Mannnndy Lee.’ He was aquatics center in his name at his retirement reception during homecoming. club morning swim practices, warm and welcoming and I and Ronnie let me come and knew right away I would love this place! practice with the college team in the fall. Practices started at 5:15 “When I came to visit DSU on my recruiting trip, it was a a.m. and he was always there before 5 a.m. to open up the pool.

Friday evening and the campus was already pretty quiet and I couldn’t practice with the DSU team in the fall of my senior many of the offices were already closed. Coach Ronnie knew year due to recruiting rules and committed to DSU early in the exactly what to do. He said, ‘Come on, Mandy Lee, let’s go to spring of 1992. I swam at DSU because of him and had no idea Walmart and see who we can find.’ Sure enough, we met the how much he would continue to influence me throughout my dean of student affairs, a couple of professors, and a few of the swimming and eventually, coaching career. swimmers on his swim team—at Walmart!”

“He helped me with my first head coaching job in Greenville Lee, a chiropractor and owner of Bloom Family Wellness in and then my first as a college coach. And I can tell you honestly North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, said Mayers was a that he is widely respected across college coaching. Who constant and someone she could count on. else could get swimmers from Alaska and Florida to come to “His quiet, calm demeanor and reassuring presence helped Mississippi?” Wiggins added: “It wasn’t just Ronnie you got me navigate my first few years away from home and in a different when you came to DSU. You got Karen and Ann Marie. The country. Over my five years at DSU (as a student athlete/ whole family was committed to the success of the swimmers and graduate assistant,) I sat back and watched Coach Ronnie and program. They still are.” learned what made him exceptional: his extraordinary ability to build community, make connections with people, and make Making a Splash them feel like family! As I moved forward in my education and Mayers said that when he started the Delta Ducks in 1974, he life, I always took Coach Ronnie with me and lived my life by had no idea it would grow into the program it is today. his example: always be kind, always work hard for success, and “What we decided to do was start a swim team, so we just always leave people better than you found them.” put an ad in the local paper,” Mayers explained. “We said if we Mayers recruited swimmers not only from Canada, but from have 10 to 15 show up to try out, we will start. Lord, we had 40 Turkey, South Africa, Germany, and France as well. children. Those folks are still some of my closest friends today.

“The diversity of the program is just unbelievable,” Mayers said.

“I remember when we were deciding on names, we had the He also found talent in Cleveland. Phillip Wiggins ’99 swam Delta Ducks, Delta Sharks, and Delta Dolphins,” he said. “I liked for Mayers in the Delta Ducks, now known as the Delta Aquatics the ducks. So when I asked the kids if they wanted to be named Club, and then at Delta State. the sharks, I didn’t use much emphasis. I did the same with the “It’s hard to speak of someone that has meant so much to you dolphins. When I said the ducks, I tried to sound excited. They as a person without just saying they are a great person and have voted for the ducks.” meant so much to you. I honestly can’t remember swimming Through his work with Delta Aquatics Club, he eventually competitively and Ronnie not being there. He has always been formed the varsity men’s and women’s swim teams at Delta 16 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

State in 1985. involved in. Ronnie and I were close at DSU and close through the “To really get down to it, starting the Delta Ducks [which years, and there are not many activities I have been involved in that he coached through 1989] is what connected me with the he hasn’t been involved in as well. He is a valued citizen and will be community and Delta State and start my life here. I enjoyed the sorely missed at Delta State but definitely remembered for years as kids and the parents,” Mayers said. a coach and all the hard administration that he did.”

Under his leadership, the Delta State swimming program Dave Heflin ’62—who is an assistant professor emeritus of captured five women’s New health, physical education, South Intercollegiate Swim and recreation at Delta State, Conference titles (1993, 1997, who founded the Outback 1999, 2001, 2002) and four and Kayak Club, and whose men’s championships (1998, name appears on The Dave 1999, 2001, 2002). Mayers Heflin Outdoor Recreational earned 14 conference coach Education Laboratory on of the year honors. He also campus—is a lifelong friend of coached a number of athletes Mayers. who qualified for and placed “We feel we have always Cetin “Chet” Oguz ‘01, DSU professor of art, and Petya Petrova Whelan ‘06, former at the NCAA Division II known Ronnie, Karen, and coordinator of Delta State Aquatics Operations and former international student National Championships, Ann Marie,” said Heflin. advisor, wish Mayers well at his retirement reception. Swimmers at Delta State, including Delta State’s “As freshmen, this Natchez they are members of the DSU Sports Hall of Fame. first national champion in couple was always in view, swimming, Justin Whitaker ’03, for the 100-meter backstroke, in from teaching classes, having lifeguard duties, and intramurals.

2002. The swimming program during his leadership produced Ronnie has provided tons of student and public recreational pool 56 individual All-Americans and 21 Academic All-Americans. activities.”

It’s not only students who have felt a huge impact under Mayers.

Mayers found those moments to be among his favorite memories.

Doug Pinkerton ’99, director of health, physical education “You know, I feel like Cleveland has given back to me. I try to serve and recreation at Delta State, has known Mayers for 21 years, as much as I can, but the lifestyle we have here and the people, I have having first met him when he came to DSU in 1997 as a graduate enjoyed it from day one. I run into all these people who I have taught assistant with women’s basketball. “I got my master’s in education to swim, and I have taught their kids to swim. The outreach with just in health, physical education, and recreation, so I was in his swimming lessons has been unreal,” he said. area all the time. Of course at that time, all we had was the Cheryl Hicks Tuhy ’94, a first-grade teacher at Discover U old pool and he was coaching swimming. Everyone was crazy Elementary School in Youngtown, Ariz., knows firsthand the about Ronnie and always had nice things to say about him,” said power of swimming.

Pinkerton. “I have learned so much from his positivity, the calm “I was 10 when he taught me how to swim,” Tuhy remembered. way he handles situations, dealings with people and the public, “My dad almost drowned, so my mother wanted us to learn. I and, in his own words, ‘seeing the big picture.’ I never thought joined swim team from elementary to high school and that led to I would have been here at DSU for 20 years and he is one of the my scholarship to DSU and my education. He has always been a main reasons. He has been a joy to work with, learn from, and part of my life. He taught us on and off the deck. He cared about have as a boss!” my grades; he cared about me. He is family. Coach Ronnie was Delta State President William N. LaForge ’72, a lifelong the only person we were allowed to call by his first name. I am a friend of Mayers, observed: “Ronnie Mayers has been a teacher. I taught swimming, I was in the military for a while, and superstar on the Delta State stage for 47 years as an outstanding now I teach. Some of that came from him, my drive, watching student, instructor, coach, administrator, and most recently him and learning by example. My children have all swum. as athletic director. His success story and numerous Swimming was so good to me—so important—my children accomplishments at Delta State are the stuff of legend. I have all done it, too.” join the DSU family and this community in thanking and It will always be swimming that Mayers looks back on with the congratulating Ronnie on his stellar career and in wishing most fondness. him every happiness in his well-deserved retirement. Nobody “Swimming has been a service for me. It’s a life skill. I have told bleeds Green and White like Ronnie Mayers.” people over and over, I get as much a thrill from seeing a person Cleveland Mayor Billy Nowell ’72 agrees. swim for the first time than I do a national cut. It is a skill that “You can’t think of DSU without thinking of Ronnie Mayers,” could save their life. I love it,” Mayers said. “This is what I wanted he said. “He started at DSU the same time I did, and, basically, he to do and I still can’t believe I made a career out of it. My dad said has been here ever since. He has been a huge part of Delta State, you can’t play all your life but I have. I have worked hard, but it’s but he has been a huge part of Cleveland as well. There aren’t too like I’ve never worked a day in my life because I have enjoyed many committees or events that he and his family haven’t been every minute of it.”

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 17

Loving the Levee Where Fans Feel Part of the Game

By Aimee Robinette

A

rmed with trays of fried chicken, brownies, and various chips and dips, Delta State University football fans head to the Levee at Parker Field. They decorate picnic tables, root for the home team, and visit with each other. In its 6th year, the Levee, situated in the north end zone, continues to be a sought-after gathering place that, attendees declare, offers an exceptional perspective of the game, the players, and the fans themselves.

The Levee started informally in 2014 with four to six picnic tables. Now a type of VIP tailgating area, it has grown to 65 picnic tables and can accommodate up to 500 people. The football stadium holds about 8,000 people in the stands.

Jason Woods ’00, a former Delta State defensive back (’96-’99), said he enjoys being close to the action. Tailgating has become 18 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

a favorite pastime for Green-and-White diehards, and the Levee offers a catbird seat. Woods, his wife, Camille ’02, and their daughters, Charli and Darci, make game day a family affair.

“The family atmosphere in the Levee is something that is pretty special. It is a place that you can enjoy watching some great football on top of getting to spend time with family and friends.

There is no other place my family and I would rather be on a Saturday in the fall than at the Levee watching our Statesmen,” said Woods, a quality associate at Baxter Healthcare. “There is no other venue in college football that can give you the experience you get when watching a football game from the Levee. Anytime you get to be that close to the field always brings back great memories. Being so close to the game that you get to hear pads popping and audibles being called, and being able to give the

Left to right: The next generation of Statesmen fans includes John Christopher Cox, Grayson Glorioso, Collin Glorioso, Nathan Logan, and Thomas Logan.

The Mike and Pam Parker family enjoy rooting for the home team from the Levee.

referees a piece of your mind, make a person feel they are part of the game, instead of just watching it.”

Matt Jones ’03, senior associate director of athletics for Delta State, agrees.

“The Levee is a unique experience, a tailgate within the game, for fans, alumni, and friends who visit Delta State University’s Parker Field-McCool Stadium. Over the years, the section has grown into an area fans want to be in for the atmosphere and the experience of being so close to the action on the field. Great food, fellowship, and access to some of the best football in the country are what make the Levee special,” said Jones.

In fact, there is no area on any college campus in Mississippi that provides fans with access like the Levee. When a player makes a touchdown, fans can see the expression on his face as he enters the end zone. Delta State fans are among the most loyal, celebrating wins as much as providing encouragement during a loss. So the Levee winds up a partnership between players and patrons.

“Our student-athletes have come to see the vital support our community gives to Delta State, and there’s no better example of that than the ‘High Five’ line after Statesman football games,” Jones explained. “Win or lose, our Levee fans are always there to show the team their gratitude for what they do for Delta State. It’s also become a recruiting tool for our coaches, as visiting staffs often remark about the atmosphere the Levee brings to our games.”

the fans once the game is over is unmatched. That’s what makes our program so unique.”

Mike Parker ’85, who played defensive back for the football team, and his wife, Pam ’90, have been members of the Levee since the beginning. The Parker family has strong ties within the Delta State family. Parker Field is named for her father-in-law, the late Travis E. Parker ’56; in 1984, the field was renamed to honor this tireless supporter of Delta State and the Delta area communities and former Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning board of trustees member.

“We have been going to games at Delta State for many years, when the first ‘picnic table’ area was established several years ago.

I recall that there was a pretty significant drainage problem, so on messy games, we would all be prepared to wear boots! Building up the ‘Levee’ on the north end of the field certainly fixed that issue and allows for a much better view of the game,” said Pam Parker, managing editor of Delta Business Journal and Delta Magazine.

“As far as preparation for food and table décor, it really depends on how busy my week has been, and sometimes the Thursday night games catch me off guard, so I am lucky to have a box of chicken and a simple tablecloth. I prefer to have fresh flowers, DSU décor, and lots of yummy dishes for snacking,” she added. “My family and friends really enjoy the Levee, and it is always fun to see former classmates and sorority sisters. Pig Pickin’ [the annual day of BBQ and music] is a huge event and the Levee festivities just add to the excitement of that event.”

Libbi ’99 and Roane Logan ’99 started participating when there were only a handful of picnic tables and the Levee was still a concept.

“I love the relaxed atmosphere and ability for my family to enjoy DSU football with our friends and their kids,” said Libbi Logan. “It has changed over the years, but most recently, it has been others from my company, Partnership Properties, and some of our mutual friends. I love that people actually cheer in the Levee and wear green along with socializing. I think it adds so much to the atmosphere at the game.”

All Sorts of Playmakers Delta State Head Football Coach Todd Cooley appreciates the fans and the effort they put into cheering on the Green and White.

“It’s what makes us unique at Delta State for our level of football,” Cooley said. “The Levee is a great environment. It’s a little louder, people are having a great time, and they are true football fans. We appreciate that they support us enough to buy passes and picnic tables. The interaction between the players and

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 19

Dr. Christy Riddle ‘94, executive director of the Student Center thinks so highly of her former student, Willie Gant ‘16, that she hired him as student support specialist.

The Secret to Student Success

By Aimee Robinette

W

hen Delta State University senior Dean Arnold walked into the Student Success Center as a firstsemester freshman, he had no idea it would be such a transformative experience. Arnold is a good student but found he needed a little guidance and one-on-one discussion to pinpoint what he wanted to do and how to go about accomplishing it.

“They got me into the right classes and the right program on campus. I am a recreation administration major, and I love it. I am grateful for the Student Success Center and all the people who work there,” Arnold said. “When I was an underclassman, I went 20 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

there all the time to get tutored and print things off for class. They help me with everything! If it was not for the people in that room, I would not be here with the grades I currently have.”

The Student Success Center, established in 2012, continues to help students navigate the sometimes uncertain waters from classroom to cap and gown. Assisting in everything from fundamentals to fine-tuning to first-year transition to education abroad, it has grown in leaps and bounds—initially opening with a staff of two and serving 300 students each semester to now having a staff of 13 serving approximately two-thirds of undergraduate students and one-tenth of graduate students. Of

the 13 staff members, four are Delta State employees; nine are funded through grants: six through Student-Athlete Support Services and three through Okra Scholars, part of the First in the World program that supports under-represented, underprepared, and low-income students and that is administered by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education for the U.S. Department of Education.

“Delta State’s first visioning principle is academic excellence and student success. We define student success as student retention and graduation. Our Student Success team is critical in this area,” said Dr. Charles McAdams, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Our fall-to-fall retention rate of first-time, full-time freshmen has increased by 14.8 percent in the past three years thanks to the strategies and programs initiated by the Student Success Center and implemented by their staff and our faculty. Over the last five years, the Student Success Center has been at the forefront of creating or molding proven strategies to help support students to stay in school and complete their degree.”

Whatever It Takes The center provides a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of DSU students, elaborated Dr. Christy Riddle ’94, its executive director from day one. “Our theme is ‘Navigating Success,’ and our goal is to help students stay on track as they maneuver through college,” she said. “The center includes eight divisions: academic advising services, academic support services, first year seminar, Fulbright Scholar program, international student services, Okra Scholars, student-athlete support services, and study abroad.”

Riddle has worked at Delta State since 1998 in a number of capacities, and during her time in Career Services she discovered her passion for student retention. In fact, she wrote her dissertation on the topic. “While in Career Services, I would meet with students about employment opportunities and help with their resumes. Occasionally, I would have students say that they were looking for a full-time job because they were dropping out of DSU,” she said, as a result of not knowing what to major in. That became her light bulb moment.

The most enjoyable part of the job for Riddle and colleagues at the center is interacting with students to achieve positive results, she said.

“It’s very rewarding for the Student Success team to know that we’ve helped a student succeed. Sometimes, we want to pull our hair out, but watching students that we have helped walk across the stage to shake the president’s hand at commencement makes it all worthwhile,” Riddle explained.

One such student was Willie Gant ’16, a native of Shaw.

Gant was an excellent student in high school: ranked third in his class, inducted into the National Honor Society, and recognized by Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Raised by his aunt and uncle after his father died when he was one and his mother succumbed to breast cancer

when he was 13, Gant never gave up.

But at Delta State, for a long time, the pressures of choosing a major, keeping up grades, and having a social life overwhelmed him.

“I honestly thought that I should have found the center during my earlier years at DSU. Without being ashamed of it, I spent eight years in college and changed my major three times as well as being placed on academic suspension in the spring semester of 2010. The staff there knows many avenues that students should take that will benefit them and they are willing to assist in any way,” he said.

Student Success Navigator Waukesha Pates confers with a student.

With encouragement and counsel from the center, Gant began to buckle down and ultimately graduated with a degree in business administration. He is now the student support specialist in the Student Success Center at Delta State and an ordained associate minister and youth pastor at Radical for Christ Ministries in Cleveland.

“The Student Success Center is dedicated to helping all students succeed. We encourage students to ask for help at the first sign of trouble instead of waiting until it’s too late.

Our goal is to help navigate students to earn a degree and graduate,” Riddle observed. “As Darla Sisney, our coordinator of academic advising services, likes to say, ‘If you need help with anything, come to the Student Success Center. If we can’t help you, we’ll find someone who can.’”

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 21

A Perfect Pairing Delta State and Bolivar Medical Center Are a Match Made in Healthcare Heaven

By Aimee Robinette

D

elta State University graduates total about 20 percent of the employees at Bolivar Medical Center. The collaboration doesn’t stop there. In 2016, Delta State selected BMC, situated a few miles from campus, to improve and enhance the healthcare services that the school provides for faculty, staff, students, and the community.

“We knew we could help,” said Hannah Dreher, BMC assistant administrator—and a Delta State alumna who earned a bachelor of business administration in 1999 and an MBA in 2005. “Through this partnership, DSU has streamlined access to healthcare via Cleveland Medical Clinic, the After Hours Clinic, and Bolivar Medical Center. We also provide physician coverage to the DSU athletes and work in conjunction with the School of Nursing and Allied Health professionals to foster learning and hands-on experience.

22 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

“We feel this partnership has solidified our relationship in the community and on campus. Together, Bolivar Medical Center and Delta State University are improving the healthcare of our community by providing an educational platform to deliver the highest quality healthcare and service,” she added.

Dreher also said it has been rewarding to see her hospital and her university partner in a relationship that benefits both entities. “We are able to provide high-quality healthcare and health-related education to the students, staff, and faculty of the university. We are also happy to have our staff members on campus and on the football field supporting the Statesmen.

This partnership enhances our relationship with DSU’s School of Nursing, allowing us to provide feedback to the school on the nursing students and our hospital needs, and as a clinical training facility for the student nurses. Our relationship with

Hannah Dreher ‘99, ‘05

Jennifer Estes ‘10

Linda Anderson ‘10

DSU allows us to continue fulfilling our mission of ‘Making Communities Healthier’ by extending our services to the campus of DSU.” Vicki Bingham, dean of the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing at Delta State, said, “The partnership with Bolivar Medical Center allows our nursing students to gain clinical experience and faculty members to maintain their nursing competencies through practice. Our academic programs provide nurses and other healthcare professionals an opportunity to further their education. The healthcare needs of DSU and the Bolivar/ Cleveland community are met because of the different ways to access providers and services.”

Win-Win Dreher noted that she has held many positions in her 17 years at BMC. “I started as an administrative assistant in 2001 and have been given many opportunities to grow my career. Now I support several departments as their administrative lead.

Delta State gave me the foundation for my career. Without the principles and knowledge, I would not have the solid base to grow within Bolivar Medical Center.”

Jennifer Estes ’10 is another BMC employee who found academic success at Delta State. Estes graduated with a bachelor’s in social work and is the community education coordinator. “I started working in long-term care at the hospital and was encouraged to do social work, and I worked my way up to the community education coordinator.

“Delta State has allowed me to reach the point of furthering my education. It is a great asset for the community to have a hospital and a university. We can get the college students as soon as they graduate and allow them to grow through Bolivar Medical Center,” she added. “Because the hospital and college are in the same community, it allows employees to more easily continue their education while working.”

Linda Anderson ’10, Emergency Room director for six years, agreed. “DSU gave me guidance, experience, and taught me how to research and determine best practices in the nursing profession,” said Anderson, who has a master’s of science in nursing administration from Delta State. “BMC gives DSU

Dr. Michael Montesi ‘91

Misty Moseley ‘95

Bethany Muzzi ‘13

students an opportunity to expand their knowledge base by working with patients in the clinic. The clinic has the advantage of having nursing students there to assist with patient care and to provide appropriate training for them and will help with recruiting for the hospital.”

Dr. Michael Montesi ’91 received his B.S. in biology and has been a doctor of medicine in primary care for 17 years. He also appreciates the opportunities from both institutions. “The small class size with really good professors allowed individualized attention to each student and kept it personal. I think that made all the difference,” he said. “Several physicians [at BMC] went to DSU, so it means something for us to be able to give back and help students have somewhere to go when they are away from home. This collaboration keeps us involved in the community— we do more than just see patients. We also donate time and money. Cleveland continues to grow, so it helps everybody when we work together.”

That makes sense to Misty Moseley ’95. She has been a speech therapist and director for 21 years, 12 of those at BMC, and received a B.S. in audiology and speech pathology. “Delta State gave me the foundational tools to be accepted in an advanced program in my field of study. I oversee the clinical operations of inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab services for both adults and pediatrics,” she explained. “I got my first start in life at BMC and my first degree at Delta State, so both are very special to me. The hospital and university seem to touch every family in our community in some way and it makes sense that they would work together.”

Bethany Muzzi ’13, who received a bachelor of arts in communications and marketing, observed: “Delta State taught me that you have to be dedicated to achieve your goals. I have always believed a college education was very important and I am currently back at DSU in graduate school.” As an executive assistant who works with hospital executives, Muzzi said she loves that her alma mater and the hospital have partnered. “It gives me one more reason to point people to DSU. I recommend it as a college, my children go to the child development center there, and now I can send people there for their healthcare needs.”

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 23

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT and group exercise. We have hosted regional events for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for several years and state meetings of the Mississippi Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

HPER broke enrollment records last year with 737 students and has grown by approximately 24 percent since 2010. What do you attribute this surge to?

The faculty in HPER is an important reason. They genuinely care about students and take time for individual advisement. We have multiple options for degrees and degree concentrations, offering viable career paths. For example, the B.S. in HPER has four concentrations (HPER, sports management, recreation administration, and exercise science). These concentrations can lead to jobs or professional programs in many areas, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, parks and recreation, and all types of athletic facility management, such as athletic director, fitness center director, and venue manager. Our graduate programs are similar; they offer teaching (M.Ed. in HPER) and non-teaching options (M.S. in sport and human performance, with human performance, sports management, and exercise science options).

TIM COLBERT

Where have HPER alumni wound up working?

Just about everywhere! Coaches and players at almost every level of sports. Dentists, doctors, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists. Teachers, principals, superintendents, university professors and administrators. Mixed martial artists. Athletic trainers—one for a National Hockey League team.

What are you proud of?

My fiancée, Jennifer Parris, who works at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology, and our boys: twins Bryce and Britt, 16; Zachary, 12; and Wyatt, 8. I’m also proud of being a certified athletic trainer and of working with USA Baseball and the National Junior College Tim Colbert appreciates teammates and workouts. That makes Athletic Association in such a capacity. Winning two national sense. He is chair of the Division of Health, Physical Education, championships at Delta State, football in 2000 and baseball in and Recreation (HPER) and has been director of the athletic 2004, was pretty good, too. Since moving into academics from training education program since 2003. Colbert also was head athletics, developing our athletic training education program has athletic trainer from 2000 to 2003. He answered email questions been a highlight. I ultimately value the friendships I have made over about HPER, Delta State, Cleveland, family and friends, music, my 46 years more than anything. and other passions.—Editor Peter Szatmary

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

HPER relies on partnerships, doesn’t it?

We create and sustain them. For instance, we have undergraduate and graduate degree concentrations in sports management, and our students choose minors in allied health, sports psychology, and family and consumer sciences, among others. We work with the other colleges and divisions on the curriculum within those areas. HPER cohosts many events on campus and off to promote health and fitness. For example, we join with the Mayor’s Council for a Healthy Community, the Cleveland Park Commission, the Cleveland School District, and Excel by 5 on events such as a Falloween Carnival, Baskets to Beat Obesity, and Spring Fling, drawing more than 500 community participants and 50 volunteers from Delta State and other organizations. Also, HPER’s exercise science interns collaborate with the Cleveland School District to provide activities for physical education classes and with the Bolivar County Retired Teachers Association to provide individual 24 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

What do you like best about Delta State?

The Delta region, Cleveland, the people, the history, and the heritage. There is nowhere on Earth like it.

What do you do for fun?

Hunt, fish, ride motorcycles and four-wheelers, watch movies. I also love all kinds of music and seeing live bands. I play the guitar. I am trying to learn to play drums. I guess you could say I do play the drums—loudly.

Question not asked you want to answer: Where are you from?

I grew up outside the small town of Ringgold, La., on Lake Bistineau. I attended school in Ringgold and Minden until I went to Mississippi State University, where I earned a B.S. in microbiology and an M.S. in exercise science. I am a doctoral student now at Delta State, trying to finish my dissertation.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

LAYLA YOUNG RISING HOMETOWN STAR

By Caroline Fletcher

Senior Cleveland native Layla Young majors in entertainment industry studies at the Delta Music Institute because she likes how the innovative program helps her develop a broad range of skills in audio engineering technology, entertainment industry entrepreneurship, and multimedia technology. Others notice Young’s enthusiasm, initiative, and drive as she pursues her showbusiness dreams. Vickie Jackson, an instructor in entertainment industry studies at DMI, praises her canny ability to shift between taking charge and joining in. “If she is given a challenging project, she attacks it head-on. She excels when working on projects, as she knows how to work with diverse groups to get things done. Her coachability, coupled with her ‘can-do’ attitude, positions her really well for growth opportunities.” Young, whose career objectives range from arts executive to working actress, answered questions about her school, studies, achievements, and aspirations.

Why did you chose Delta State?

When I went on my admissions tour, the way my recruiter talked about Delta State made me see the campus in a different way compared to how I had seen it from just being a Cleveland resident. When I was considering Delta State as my second home, it felt like a natural choice.

How has Delta State prepared you for your chosen career path?

Since day one, my professors instilled that you will have to start at the bottom (as in any profession), but I have been equipped with tools that will make me stand out against my peers. As long as we do our work to the best of our ability, an opportunity will come for us to shine. I have also learned how to use my strengths as my way into “the door” and to continuously learn. I did an internship at Delta Arts Alliance where I was able to learn the inner workings of a nonprofit. [A goal of mine is] being the executive director of my own nonprofit.

Talk about some successes in the classroom and beyond.

I have been on the dean’s list multiple times, and I was chief of staff for the Student Government Association. Last spring I was the event coordinator for the Go Green Crawfish Boil that included a concert and pep rally. I put together an event for the entire campus to enjoy and gave a platform for the student-run Fighting Okra Records artist of the year, Mic Hargrove.

What sets Delta State apart from other universities?

It is small enough so a student is not overwhelmed, but it is big

enough so you can meet someone new every day. People make it their mission to know you as a person as opposed to being just a student number on a paper.

What do you like most about Delta State?

It is easy to gain relationships with professors and staff members— from President [William] LaForge and Dr. [Vernell] Bennett [vice president for student affairs] to professors in other departments to custodians around campus, I am able to have a conversation and build a relationship with anyone.

Something most people don’t know about you?

Even though I am efficient and effective behind the scenes, my dream is to be in the spotlight. I also have been using my medium of art, theater, as a method of teaching and helping youth to express their thoughts and expand their creativity since I graduated high school, and I plan on continuing to do so.

What do you do during winter and summer break?

Over winter break, I am baking cookies with my mother (it is our Christmas gift) and spending time with family. During the summer, I work with kids around the Delta. I travel at least twice each summer, usually to New Orleans and a cross-country trip. This summer, I went to California for five days for a family reunion. Lastly, I work and hang out with friends.

What do you like most about Cleveland?

There is a rich history here, especially in connection with the surrounding Delta towns.

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 25

CLASS NOTES Alumni Awards Gala More than 200 Delta State University graduates attended the Alumni Awards Gala during the recent 86th annual homecoming, a multi-day celebration in November that spanned a pep rally, football game, parade, student games, ribbon cuttings (for the renovated Zeigel Hall and the new Statesmen Boulevard), a step show—and more.

The Alumni Awards Gala (pictured below), a festive dinner affair, took place on Nov. 9 at the Cleveland Country Club.

“It is such a wonderful opportunity and honor to host so many amazing alumni on behalf of the National Alumni Association,” said Sayward Fortner ’04, president of the National Alumni Association Board of Directors. “I’m consistently encouraged by my fellow alumni and proud to be a part of such a special night to honor those who have done so much to serve, support, and increase the visibility of their alma mater in such positive and inspiring ways.”

Betsy Bobo Elliot ‘73, Henry Outlaw Retired Faculty/ Staff Alumni Service Award

Dr. Brad Teague ‘92, ‘95, Hall of Fame inductee

President William N. LaForge, Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni Service Award winner Jeff Arnold ‘92 and Sayward Fortner ‘04

Jeffrey Farris ‘04, ‘05, Kent Wyatt Young Alumnus Service Award

Left to right: John C. Lewis, vice president and treasurer of the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation, Gladys Castle Friend of Delta State Service Award; Delta State alumnus Peter Woods ‘89, Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and Hall of Fame inductee; and Lloyd Clark ‘70, ‘77, Legacy Award fellow alumnus John Marshall Alexander ‘77, Hall of Fame inductee.

Mary Ellen Leftwich ’37 turned 102 during the Green and White festivities and was serenaded for the occasion. She has been a fixture at homecoming—missing only one because of the flu.

Mike Neyman ‘72, Hall of Fame inductee 26 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

Dr. Jerry Graham and Charlene Graham ‘64

Class of 1968 members inducted into the Golden Circle pose with their commemorative 50-year medallion.

Other Homecoming Highlights

Mr. DSU Josh Carter and Miss Green & White Rajah Ramsey. President and Mrs. William N. LaForge wave to the crowds during the homecoming parade. Also on the bill: a step show.

Julia Brasher Thorn, director of choral activities, leads her troupe in a song during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated Zeigel Hall.

Fans cheer during DSU’s 28-21 victory over Mississippi College.

Exercise science graduate student Chesney Mardis is Miss Delta State University 2019.

Chapter Updates

The Delta State University Alumni Association held various chapter meetings across the state this year, including the Greater Jackson area and Bolivar, Desoto, Leflore, and Washington counties. The Association also sponsored alumni tents at Mississippi on the Mall in Washington, D.C. and Mississippi in the Park in Atlanta. The chapters awarded a total of $14,000 in scholarships, providing 14 students with the opportunity to pursue their degree at Delta State. Left photo, left to right, front row: Lisa Grantham and Renee Selby DeWeese; back row: DSU Athletic Director Ronnie Mayers, Director Emeritus of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Dr. Elbert Hillard ‘58, DSU Associate Athletic Director Matt Jones, and Jackson Chapter President Jeff Arnold. The Greater Jackson Area Chapter recognized Hillard, who received the first honorary degree at DSU in 2005, Mayers, and Jones. Right photo, left to right: The Bolivar County Chapter awarded Anna Pierce Hackney, Cameron Leslie, and Kayleigh Lindsey with alumni scholarships.

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 27

CLASS NOTES ALUMNI UPDATES 1962

Maj. Gen. Alben Hopkins, of Gulfport, graduated from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

1970

Ron Chance, of Annandale, N.J., received the 2018 Lawrence B. Evans Award in Chemical Engineering Practice from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers for substantial lifetime achievement. A veteran of ExxonMobil and Georgia Institute of Technology, he is executive vice president of engineering at Algenol Biotech.

1971

Bob Gallman, of Harahan, La., was named president and CEO of Louisiana Credit Union League.

Mamie Heard, of Townson, Md., has been named head of upper school at Jemicy School, which educates bright and talented collegebound students with dyslexia or other related language-based learning differences.

1973

Donna Kay Baria, of Indianola, is the director of Planters Partners, a travel group sponsored by the Planters Bank system.

1974

Steven Tomaszewski, of Ocean Springs, was inducted into the first class of the Ocean Springs Sports Hall of Fame.

1980

Dan Robbins, of Manila, Ark., retired as president of Southern Bancorp in Manila.

1981

Becky Nowell, of Cleveland, was selected as a Main Street Hero for her countless accomplishments on behalf of downtown Cleveland.

1983

Chris Burgess, of Ridgeland, created a wellrecognized Performance Fantasy League.

Sandy Huerta, of Cleveland, received the Junior Auxiliary of Cleveland’s Life Member Award.

1984

Martin Merritt, of Dallas, was selected as a Best Lawyer in Dallas for 2018.

1986

Keith Williams, of Gulfport, was crowned King of the Gulf Coast Carnival Association.

28 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

1988

Ron Hogan, CPA, MBA, of Monroe, La., joined The Carpenter Health Network as chief operating officer.

1991

Tiffany Quay Tyson, of Denver, published a novel, The Past Is Never (Skyhorse Publishing).

1992

Craig Verhage, aka The Barbecue Ninja, of Cleveland, was featured in the Clarion Ledger.

Peyton Davis Warrington, of Oxford, was featured in a blog on hottytoddy.com for her contributions at Baptist Memorial HospitalNorth Mississippi.

1993

Mark Robinette, of Cleveland, was named general manager of Kirk Brothers of Cleveland.

Monica Fioranelli Wright, of Nashville, is now a family nurse practitioner at Sterling Primary Care under HCA Healthcare, Inc.

1994

Penelope Allen, of Oxford, received the national Warren Shull Middle Level Advisor of the Year Award for 2017.

Trent Lamastus, of Cleveland, was featured in the Delta Farm Press for his work as a crop consultant.

Christopher Langley, of Booneville, joined the Mabus Agency in Tupelo as a controller.

Mary Beth Hawkins Smith, of Cleveland, opened Mod + Proper, a clothing store in Cleveland.

1995

Leslie Roark Scott, aka the Barbecue Princess, of Yazoo City, was featured in the Clarion Ledger.

1996

Patrick Davis, of Cleveland, ranked among the top 4 percent of State Farm agents companywide.

1997

Dr. Carmen Cooper-Oguz, of Cleveland, received the University of Mississippi’s School of Health Related Administration Alumnus of the Year Award and the American Physical Therapy Association’s Lucy Blair Advocacy Award. She is vice president of service line development and director of rehabilitation at North Sunflower Medical Center.

Morgan Wood, of Clarksdale, was named Coahoma County Administrator, after serving the county for 17 years as administrative assistant.

1998

Lori Anderson, of Charleston, a kindergarten teacher at Pope School in the South Panola School District, received No. 1 in the state on her MLKAS state tests.

Danielle Henley, of Nashville, joined Pinnacle Financial Partners as a consumer loan underwriter.

1999

Libbi Logan, of Cleveland, was named Outstanding REALTOR® Under 40 by the Mississippi Association of Realtors.

2000

Julia Cannon, of Memphis, Tenn., is now the area manager for Milo’s Tea Company in Memphis.

William “Buck” Smith, of Jackson, became field agronomist research manager at Bayer Crop Science.

2001

Howard Wilson “Will” Sledge, of Cleveland, was named senior vice president of commercial lending at State Bank & Trust in Cleveland.

Jeremy Whitmire, of Madison, was named clerk of the court by the Mississippi Supreme Court.

2002

Patrick L. Ervin, of Mound Bayou, was named chief of staff of Delta Health Center.

2003

Shannon Brown, of Cleveland, was named manager of sales at Mitchell Distributing.

Kelli Carr, of Cleveland, director of tourism at the Cleveland/Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce, has been elected secretary/ treasurer of the executive board of Mississippi Tourism Association.

Morris Grant, of Kansas City, Mo., began a new position as implementation consultant at Medmetry.

Hope Langston, of Oakland, a kindergarten teacher at Pope School in the South Panola School District, received No. 1 in the state on her MLKAS state tests.

Anjanette Pennington Powers, of Cleveland, received the Junior Auxiliary of Cleveland’s Excellence in Education Award. She also finished her term as president of the association.

Billy Sears, of Southaven, was named vice president of BankPlus in Hernando.

Sam Washington, of Cleveland, moved from president-elect to president of the Mississippi Airports Association.

2004

2011

Draper Matthews Brown, of Nashville, became a client engagement manager at Industrial Strength Marketing.

Hannah Walt Satterfield, of Cleveland, earned the Junior Auxiliary of Cleveland’s rising star award.

Ann Marie Mayers Pate, of Cleveland, was installed as president of the young lawyers division of the Mississippi Bar.

2013

Jon L. Bragg, of Hernando, became a Private Client II for north Mississippi at First Tennessee Bank.

2005

Pete Golding, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., was named co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach under Nick Saban at the University of Alabama. He joined the staff in December 2017.

Rick McCarty, of Abilene, has been named Abilene Christian University head baseball coach. McCarty joined the Delta State staff as a graduate assistant pitching coach in 2004. He received his master’s in education in 2005.

2006

Mathew Mixon, of Vicksburg, was named Mississippi’s Age Group Coach of the Year.

2007

Watson Cook, of Inverness, was promoted to branch manager for Planters Bank in Inverness, Louise, and Sunflower.

2008

Elizabeth Mahalitc Haley, of Greenville, has been named downtown branch manager for Guaranty Bank and Trust Company in Greenville.

Dr. Dustin Pambianchi, of Brandon, joined The Winning Smile Dental Group as a partner.

2009

Casey Harlow Andrews, of Cleveland, was named a life member of the Junior Auxiliary of Cleveland.

Justin Newman, of Nashville, was named transition and operational specialist at Pinnacle Financial Partners in Nashville.

Emily Boyd, of Cleveland, was named director of operations of Calderon & Williams law firm in Cleveland.

2014

Rebecca Simpson Potter, of Indianola, was named assistant BSA officer for the system of Planters Bank.

Mary Wilson, of Pope, a kindergarten teacher at Pope School in the South Panola School District, received No. 1 in the state on her MLKAS state tests.

2018

Mary Clay Gentry, of Pope, became a kindergarten teacher at Batesville Elementary.

Abbigail Myers, of Yazoo City, became a customer care coordinator at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.

FRIEND

Woods Eastland was named 2018-19 president of the Delta Council economic development organization.

Crosby

DeWitt

Dorsey

FUTURE STATESMEN & LADY STATESMEN Alex Crosby ’14 and Lenzie Crosby ’14 of Oxford, Miss., welcomed Mildred Anne Crosby on March 8, 2018.

Garrett DeWitt ’10 and Rachel DeWitt of Denver, welcomed Wyatt James DeWitt on May 8, 2018.

Adrian Dorsey ’02 and Kiona Dorsey ’04 of Rolling Fork, Miss., welcomed Kelsey McKenzie Dorsey on April 6, 2018. She joins big brother, Aiden Chandler.

Gary Neal “Frog” Hayes ’04 and Susan Leigh Hayes of Hernando, Miss., welcomed Evelyn Noelle Hayes on Jan. 4, 2018.

Justin Ingvoldstad ’11 and Aimee Ingvoldstad ’11 of Richmond, Texas, welcomed Jace Jordan Ingvoldstad on April 10, 2018. He joins sibling Braylee.

Jonathan Moody ’16 and Kara Tally Moody ’15 of Oakland, Tenn., welcomed Kirby Elizabeth Moody on Jan. 18, 2018.

April Williams ’13 and Michael Williams of Courtland, Miss., welcomed Michael Joseph Williams, on June 29, 2018. He joins his sister, Ava Lane.

Neely Carlton Lyons, of Madison, was named a 2017 Healthcare Hero by Mississippi Business Journal.

Michele McClain, of Southaven, was recently named a 2017 Healthcare Hero by Mississippi Business Journal.

MARRIAGES/UNIONS

Ingvoldstad

Moody

Williams

Dr. Gwen Meador, assistant professor of accountancy at DSU, earned the American Accounting Association’s KPMG Outstanding Dissertation Award.

Justin Andrew Owen, of Baton Rouge, received a Ph.D. in musicology from LSU.

2010

Garrett DeWitt, of Evergreen, Colo., was promoted to completions engineer at Crescent Point Energy in Denver.

Arian Maliqi, of Fort Wayne, Ind., was promoted to chief financial officer at Press-Seal Corporation, which provides infrastructure products for underground collection systems.

He also spoke at Delta State’s 14th annual International Business Symposium.

Jamie Bailey Meziere ’03 and Michael Meziere were married Aug. 11, 2018, at the Town Square in Collierville, Tenn. Jamie is the director of information technology audit and performance assurance for FedEx in Memphis, Tenn., and Michael is the training sergeant for the Olive Branch Police Department. They reside in Southaven, Miss.

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 29

IN MEMORIAM Jerry Wayne Ainsworth Jerry Wayne Ainsworth, 77, of Cleveland, Miss., July 22, 2018. He was born in Harrisburg, Ark., on June 9, 1941, to James Wendell Ainsworth and Mattie Shopher Ainsworth. On July 26, 1968, Ainsworth married Rosemary Scott. He served in the Arkansas and Mississippi National Guards and was a member of American Legion Post 165 in Cleveland. Ainsworth also was a member of the Delta Area Golfers, Benoit Outing Club, and Beulah Fishing Club, serving as secretary and treasurer. He was sales manager at the Cleveland-based Denton Dairy Products for 48 years. A member of First United Methodist Church, Ainsworth served on various committees and was an usher and the usher coordinator. He also was active in Methodist Men, serving as local president for two terms and

receiving its man of the year award. The Arkansas native rooted for the Razorbacks. But Ainsworth also loved Delta State; he was a member of Delta State Statesmen Club and Delta State Alumni Association and received the Lawrence Stewart Service Award from Delta State Athletics in 1998 and The Gladys Castle “Friend of Delta State Award” in 2006. Ainsworth was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister, Mary Schwaller; and brothers, James T. “Buddy” Ainsworth, Billy Charles Ainsworth, and Donald Ray “Donnie” Ainsworth. He is survived by his daughter, Carmen Ainsworth Taylor (Greg) of Cleveland; sister, Lea Hampton (Lloyd) of Evansville, Ind.; brother-in-law, Henry Scott of Houston, Miss.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Letha Cheryl Jackson Cummins, ’88, ’89 Letha Cheryl Jackson Cummins ’88, ’89, 51, of Cleveland, Miss., May 19, 2018. She was born in Grenada, Miss., on July 15, 1966, to James Kellum Jackson and Esther Fay Orrell Jackson. Cummins earned a bachelor’s in education in 1988 and a master’s in education in 1989 from Delta State and a doctorate in education in 1996 from University of Mississippi. She taught elementary school for several years before joining Delta State in 1996; Cummins wore many hats at the university, including as director of field experiences and a professor in the College of Education and Human Sciences. She also stayed active as an alumna in Kappa Delta Sorority. Cummins received the Joe Garrison Loyalty Award from Delta State after 20 years of dedication to the campus. She also

gave back to her community as a member of the Rotary Club of Cleveland and the St. Luke United Methodist Church, for which Cummins led the children’s ministry for many years, taught Sunday school, and delivered the children’s message each Sunday. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, John Mark Cummins; daughters, Kellie Cummins and Hayley Cummins, both of Cleveland; mother, Esther Fay Jackson of Holcomb; father, James Kellum Jackson of Holcomb; brother, Gary Jackson (Penny) of Holcomb; brothers-in-law, Ken Cummins of Memphis and Teddy Cummins (Suzanne) of Summerfield, Fla.; niece, Reagan Jackson, and nephews, Chris Cummins of Vicksburg and Nicholaus Cummins (Whitney) of Natchitoches, La.

Anthony Michael Garcia, ’86 Anthony Michael Garcia ’86, 55, of Ontario, Canada, (senior vice president); most recently, he was president July 20, 2018. Born on June 25, 1963, the native of and CEO of Foresters Financial in Toronto, Canada.

Panama City, Fla., attended Rutherford High School Garcia also served on the boards of many organizations, and earned a B.S. in business administration from Delta including LIMRA/LOMA, the American College of State in 1986. He was a member of the Delta State Financial Services, the American Council of Life Insurers, tennis team and the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. An avid the Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics in Financial supporter of his undergraduate alma mater, he received Services, and the Providence Healthcare Foundation. He Delta State’s Alumnus of the Year Award in 2014. Garcia is survived by his wife of 33 years, Donna (neé Ashby); earned an MBA from Northwestern Kellogg School of daughter, Kristen (Phillip); sons, Anthony II, Alex, Management in 2000. He was a well-respected financial Ayden, and Adam; mother, Beatrice (neé Nini); brothers, services executive known for his warmth, authenticity, Steven (Lisa), Michael (Dona), and Dennis (Rhonda); and leadership. Over the course of his career, Garcia in-laws, Lynda and Grover Shannon; his widow’s siblings, held positions at Allstate, HSBC Bank, TIAA-CREF (president and Kim and Ray; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

CEO), Western & Southern Financial Group, and HealthMarkets, Inc. He was preceded in death by his father, Mario Garcia.

30 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

IN MEMORIAM Maude G. Taylor, ‘41 of Cleveland, MS, on May 29, 2018

Sherry K. Warren, ‘82 of Hazlehurst, MS, on July 3, 2018

Mark Crater of Vicksburg, MS, on Aug. 24, 2018

Roberta I. Oaks, ‘48 of Alamosa, CO, on Apr. 3, 2018

Geneva B. Pernell, ‘88 of Phillips, MS, on Apr. 23, 2018

Hugh D. Doty Jr. of Lake Village, AR, on Apr. 10, 2018

Cecil L. Oswalt, ‘49 of Tallahassee, FL, on May 16, 2018

Cedell Pulley, ‘88 of Greenwood, MS, on July 23, 2018

Charles M. Durrough of Ruleville, MS, on May 27, 2018

Clyde C. Weston, ‘49 of Cordova, TN, on Feb. 24, 2018

Dr. Cheryl J. Cummins, ‘89 of Cleveland, MS, on

James W. Garrett of Greenwood, MS, on Feb. 10, 2018

Roxie Griffin Sykes, ‘50 of Thibodaux, LA, on June 26, 2018

May 19, 2018

Joe D. Gilder of Galveston, TX, on May 1, 2018

Allen R. Reaves, ‘51 of El Paso, TX, on Feb. 5, 2018

Thomas E. Laws, ‘91 of Pascagoula, MS, on Apr. 11, 2018

Jane C. Hovas of Greenville, MS, on Apr. 7, 2018

Betty Geddie Heider, ‘52 of Hollandale, MS, on Mar. 30,

Ruloff Turner, ‘92 of Jonesboro, AR, on Feb. 24, 2018

John E. Johnson of Greenville, MS, on May 25, 2018

2018

Jeff B. Caldwell, ‘94 of Oxford, MS, on May 15, 2018

Carol S. Jones of Cleveland, MS, on Feb. 19, 2018

Edwin A. Reed, ‘52 of Biloxi, MS, on Mar. 18, 2018

Lydia M. Dailey, ‘94 of Indianapolis, IN, on June 19, 2018

Don O. Lewis Sr. of Germantown, TN, on June 8, 2018

Thomas E. Ferrill, Sr., ‘53 of Biloxi, MS, on Feb. 07, 2018

James Clay Mattox, ‘98 of Greenwood, MS, on

Richard F. Mascagni of Greenville, MS, on Feb. 1, 2018

Anna Rose Hutchison Box, ‘54 of Flowood, MS, on

Sept. 19, 2018

Robbie McDaniel of Tupelo, MS, on Feb. 9, 2018

July 2, 2018

Vic Mosby, ‘98 of Pine Bluff, AR, on Aug. 3, 2018

Carolyn A. McGinley of Pompton Plains, NJ, on Feb. 8, 2018

William Box, ‘54 of Flowood, MS, on June 10, 2018

Inge K. Self, ‘99 of Greenville, MS, on Mar. 1, 2018

Nancy McKinley of Palm Bay, FL, on Oct. 02, 2018

James B. Drewry, ‘54 of Booneville, MS, on Apr. 23, 2018

Deborah N. Foster, ‘02 of Cleveland, MS, on Mar. 20, 2018

Lisa L. Munn of Colton, CA, on Sept. 02, 2018

Billy U. Tidwell, ‘54 of Duluth, GA, on Mar. 4, 2018

Charva S. White, ‘08 of Greenwood, MS, on Aug. 21, 2018

Chandler R. Piper of Southaven, MS, on Feb. 19, 2018

Mary E. Holloway, ‘55 of Merigold, MS, on Apr. 21, 2018

Robert E. Anderson, ‘16 of Morris, MN, on Feb. 17, 2018

Carole A. Ray of Arcola, MS, on Feb. 21, 2018

Drew D. Strain, ‘57 of Greenwood, MS, on July 2, 2018

Clay Rayner Jr. of Cleveland, MS, on May 19, 2018

Norman C. Wells, ‘57 of Gautier, MS, on Sept. 5, 2018

GRADUATED (YEAR UNKNOWN)

Patrick Richard of Little Rock, AR, on Feb. 07, 2018

Charles P. Wolfe Sr., ‘58 of Memphis, TN, on Aug. 27, 2018

Susan P. Berryhill of Dublin, MS, on Aug. 29, 2018

Richard K. Rhodes of Gunnison, MS, on Apr. 27, 2018

Linwood L. Brown Jr., ‘59 of Cleveland, MS, on Apr. 10, 2018

Bobbie Buck, of Lexa, AR, on Apr. 2, 2018

Larry Ryan of Memphis, TN, on Sept. 1, 2018

James Ronald Mitchell, ‘62 of Pontotoc, MS, on July 11,

Carolyn Y. Bushman, of Ridgeland, MS, on Mar. 23, 2018

Sarah A. Spence of Clarksdale, MS, on Feb. 21, 2018

2018

TJ Byrd of Hattiesburg, MS, on Apr. 30, 2018

Travis Tanner of Indianola, MS, on Sept. 06, 2018

Jack W. Tapy, ‘62 of Eaton, IN, on July 4, 2018

Thomas H. Carpenter Jr. of Cleveland, MS, on Mar. 26, 2018

Sydney J. Thweatt Jr. of Columbus, MS, on Jan. 24, 2018

Albert “Sonny” Hill, ‘63 of Pascagoula, MS, on June 19,

William M. Coleman, of Drew, MS, on Mar. 20, 2018

Catherine C. VandenBranden of West Point, MS, on

2018

Jeanette Harper of Pensacola, FL, on July 29, 2018

Sept. 19, 2018

William A. Nunnery, ‘63 of Alexander City, AL, on May 9,

Mary Z. Harris, of Vicksburg, MS, on Mar. 4, 2018

Thomas C. Vaughn II of Vidor, TX, on May 7, 2018

2018

Don A. Hudson of Tupelo, MS, on Sept. 16, 2018

Melanie D. Wilson of Greenwood, MS, on Apr. 12, 2018

Blakely H. McIntyre III, ‘64 of Marion, SC, on Feb. 25, 2018

Jane R. Johnson of Canton, GA, on Aug. 08, 2018

Rita W. Everett, ‘66 of Clinton, MS, on Mar. 10, 2018

Bonnie C. Lewis Sr. of Stockton, CA, on Sept. 11, 2018

FACULTY

John W. Griffin Sr., ‘66 of Branson, MO, on Mar. 25, 2018

Jim E. Lloyd of Tupelo, MS, on June 10, 2018

G. Robert Chancellor of Pensacola, FL, on July 28, 2018

William J. Robinson, ‘67 of Harrison, AR, on Sept. 11, 2018

Virginia “Carolyn” McKie of Pilot Knob, MO, on July 4, 2018

Terry E. Everett of Cleveland, MS, on Mar. 11, 2018

Jerry L. Kitchings, ‘71 of Cleveland, MS, on Apr. 07, 2018

Minnie Margaret Renfroe Covington of Belen, MS, on

William L. Frank of Rice, VA, on Mar. 20, 2018

Linda J. Blaine, ‘72 of Cleveland, MS, on Apr. 26, 2018

Jan. 19, 2018

John R. Mcinnis III, ‘72 of Brandon, MS, on Mar. 30, 2018

Elizabeth M. Robertson of Moraga, CA, on May 2, 2018

FRIEND

Jimmy K. Mitchell, ‘72 of Tupelo, MS, on May 16, 2018

James W. Shuford of Clarksdale, MS, on Apr. 24, 2018

Hugh L. Ballard Jr. of Ethel, MS, on Apr. 20, 2018

Virginia N. Pepper, ‘72 of Cleveland, MS, on Sept. 18, 2018

Dolly Mae Campfield Smith of Biloxi, MS, on July 09, 2018

Julius Gainspolett of Cleveland, MS, on Apr. 19, 2018

Gary W. Norman, ‘75 of Tupelo, MS, on Aug. 03, 2018

Robert E. Thomas of Leland, MS, on Sept. 14, 2018

Glenn W. Holloway of Merigold, MS, on Apr. 17, 2018

Wallace Price, ‘75 of Round Rock, TX, on Sept. 30, 2018

James W. Thompson of Old Hickory, TN, on Apr. 22, 2018

Sonora Lessley of Claremore, OK, on July 24, 2018

Mona G. Creel, ‘76 of Houston, TX, on Apr. 03, 2018

Ouida Jean Grant Towery of Memphis, TN, on July 1, 2018

James D. Maxwell of Benoit, MS, on May 17, 2018

Linda G. Liddell, ‘76 of Memphis, TN, on July 26, 2018

Jane L. Tribble, of Grenada, MS, on Apr. 13, 2018

Peggy J. Tyler, of Montevallo, AL, on Mar. 24, 2018

Brittie A. Houston, ‘77 of Hernando, MS, on Mar. 12, 2018

James “Snapper” Williamson of Tupelo, MS, on July 23,

Douglas M. Johnson, ‘77 of Midway, AR, on Apr. 5, 2018

2018

Mary Alice Ginsley Reed, ‘77 of Gulfport, MS, on June 6, 2018

ATTENDED

Thomas R. Kany, ‘78 of Clinton, MS, on May 30, 2018

Donis Weeks Allen of Bryam, MS, on July 16, 2018

Hettie L. Mullen, ‘78 of Winona, MS, on Mar. 10, 2018

Asia S. Barber of Magee, MS, on Feb. 20, 2018

Helon-Ruth Tackett, ‘79 of Cleveland, MS, on Mar. 14, 2018

Andrea Bell of Vicksburg, MS, on Aug. 16, 2018

Larry L. Luster, ‘80 of Nashville, TN, on Apr. 1, 2018

Henry A. Bradshaw of Pensacola, FL, on Mar. 31, 2018

Robert H. Creel, ‘81 of Loganville, GA, on July 09, 2018

Mary Broome of Cleveland, MS, on Feb. 11, 2018

Edie J. Winkel, ‘81 of Brandon, MS, on Mar. 17, 2018

Kaye Bush of Grand Haven, MI, on Apr. 04, 2018

Due to space limitations, listing priority in the “Class Notes/In Memoriam” section of the magazine will be given to dues-paying members of the Delta State University Alumni Association.

To submit a Class Note, Future Statesmen and Lady Statesmen, Marriages/Unions, or In Memoriam photo, send it to alumni@deltastate. edu or DSU Box 3104, Cleveland, MS 38733. The Association relies on numerous sources for “Class Notes” information and is unable to verify all notes with individual alumni.

Summer/Fall 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 31

MISSION STATEMENT Delta State Magazine informs, celebrates, and engages alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of Delta State University.

ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Delta State Magazine is published by the Delta State University Advancement & External Relations twice a year: winter/spring and summer/fall. Views expressed in them do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff or Delta State policies. In an effort to reduce our environmental impact, we mail one edition per household.

DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY President, William N. LaForge ’72 UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS Rick Munroe, vice president Abbey Atwill, campaign and research coordinator Gregory Braggs Jr. ’15, communications and marketing web designer Ethan Callahan, radio station manager Lyle Cole ’13, accountant Deborah Cox, CFO Leigh Emerson, manager of mailing and printing Jeffrey Farris ’04, ’05 director of development Caroline George Fletcher ’15, communications and marketing social media specialist Terrence Liddell, printing service specialist Patricia Malone, communications and marketing senior secretary Steve Matzker, communications and marketing photographer/videographer Dr. Nerma Moore, academic affairs development officer Holly Ray ’06, communications and marketing graphic designer (and alumni magazine art director) Aimee Robinette, alumni engagement coordinator Amanda Robinson ’10, interim alumni director Kandace Stevenson ‘18, annual fund coordinator Peter Szatmary, communications and marketing director (and alumni magazine editor) Rhonda Williams, postal clerk Lizzie Woodard, research and administrative assistant

NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sayward Fortner ’04, president Patrick Davis ’96, vice president John Fletcher ’91, treasurer George Miller ’00, secretary Rob Armour ’95, past president Hank Ludwig ’00, district 1 Parker Lipscomb ’04, district 2 Libbi Logan ’99, district 2 Jeff Arnold ’92, district 3 Larkin Simpson ’02, district 4 Hays Collins ’00, presidential appointee Renee Selby Deweese ’92, presidential appointee Brad Evans ’87, presidential appointee Paul Mancini ’00, presidential appointee Bradley Smith ’87, presidential appointee Tim Harvey ’80, president, foundation board Ifeanyi Ugboaja ’00, nonresident Ben Bailey ’65, golden circle Kelly Hunter ’00, black alumni Dana George ’99, athletics Matthew Mullins ’07, young alumni Abbey Gordon, SAA president Charlie King, SGA president Lindsey Bragg ’05, education constituent group appointee

DELTA STATE FOUNDATION, INC. Tim Harvey ’80, president; Tom Janoush ’90, vice president and trusteeship committee chair; Nan Sanders ’67, secretary and development committee chair; Jeff Tarver ’76, treasurer and finance committee chair; Anne Weissinger, ’81, ’15, past president; David Abney ’76, ’15; Miller Arant ’03, ’08; Louis Baioni ’56; Dr. William Bell ’82; Anita Bologna; Dr. Walker Byars ’92; Cheryl Comans ’09; John Cox ’96; Dr. Anna Looney Dill ’74, ’88; McKay Dockery; Hank Drake ’69; Dr. Doty Farmer ’92; Sayward Fortner ’04; Earnest Hart ’77; Margaret Walker Hays; Dr. Brian Henry ’99; Peter Jernberg ’65, ’67, ’71; Arthur Johnston ’89; Edward Kossman III ’94; Eckward McKnight, faculty representative; Ned Mitchell ’62; Billy Nowell ’72; Carol Puckett; Randy Randall; Rodney Scaife ’91; Jimmy Wilson ’68; Dr. Bennie Wright ’74, ’75; William N LaForge, president, ex-officio; Jamie Rutledge, vice president for finance and administration, ex-officio.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DELTA STATE NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CORPORATE SPONSORS

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STATESMEN LEVEL

Delta State Magazine contact information: DSU Box 3104 | 1003 West Sunflower Road | Cleveland, MS 38733 alumni@deltastate.edu or foundation@deltastate.edu Phone: (662) 846-4660 Send address changes and class notes, in memoriam, future Statesmen and Lady Statesmen, marriages/unions, and Okra Outings to alumni@deltastate.edu or to DSU Box 3104, Cleveland , MS 38733 Send letters, questions, comments, and ideas to alumni@deltastate.edu Copyright @ 2018 by Delta State University. Delta State University is an equal access, equal opportunity, and affirmative action institution.

32 • Delta State Magazine • Summer/Fall 2018

Winter/Spring 2018 • Delta State Magazine • 35

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