Delta State celebrates opening of Okra Threads clothing closet Oct. 22
Cleveland, MS (10/19/2026) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (662) 846-4678
Email: nduff@deltastate.edu
Delta State celebrates opening of Okra Threads clothing closet Oct. 22
CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University celebrates the opening of Okra Threads, a community clothing closet, with a ribbon cutting Thursday, Oct. 22, at 3:30 p.m. on the third floor of the H.L. Nowell Union. A grand opening follows, with the closet remaining open until 6 p.m.
Okra Threads provides current students, faculty and staff with access to clothing for everyday needs, professional opportunities and special occasions. Building on the university's OkraSuits initiative, the program expands beyond professional attire to include casual wear, seasonal clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as clothes for the whole family.
"I'm excited to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Okra Threads. In just four months, our campus and local community have come together around a shared goal: creating a welcoming resource where students can find clothing for any occasion and feel confident, prepared, and supported. That response speaks to the care people have for our students and their success," said DSU Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Eddie Lovin.
The program makes clothing accessible without requiring users to demonstrate financial need, disclose their names or explain their circumstances. Members of the Delta State community can use the resource during posted hours, subject to basic operational guidelines.
Available inventory includes suits, blazers, dresses, shirts and slacks alongside jeans, coats, sweaters, rainwear and campus basics. Special-use items for graduation, conferences, performances and formal events are also available as inventory allows.
The initiative emphasizes dignity, privacy and shared responsibility, encouraging members of the university community to participate both as donors and as users of the closet.
"Okra Threads is more than a clothing resource; it is a meaningful example of what we can accomplish when a community works together to meet students where they are. I'm grateful to everyone who helped make this vision a reality, and I look forward to seeing the difference it makes for our students," Lovin said.
The Office of Engagement and Advocacy administers the program, with DSU First Lady Jennifer Ennis serving as volunteer coordinator alongside the supporting Statesmen Pioneers, with further assistance coming from a host of other student and community volunteers. Operations include seasonal inventory rotation and year-round donation intake.
Campus clothing drives, alumni and retiree engagement and partnerships with local retailers and alumni-owned businesses help sustain the program. Through clothing donations, volunteer service and everyday participation, Okra Threads gives the Delta State community an opportunity to support one another while helping students feel prepared for life on campus and beyond.
Cutline: Clothing, shoes and accessories fill Okra Threads, Delta State University's new community clothing closet on the third floor of the H.L. Nowell Union. The resource serves current students, faculty and staff and celebrates its grand opening Thursday, Oct. 22, with a ribbon cutting at 3:30 p.m.
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About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,800 students come from most U.S. states and more than 45 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 15 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.
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Clothing, shoes and accessories fill Okra Threads, Delta State University’s new community clothing closet on the third floor of the H.L. Nowell Union. The resource serves current students, faculty and staff and celebrates its grand opening Thursday, Oct. 22, with a ribbon cutting at 3:30 p.m.
Delta State University
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