Delta State University

Delta State commencement exercises honor Class of '26

Cleveland, MS (05/11/2026) —

Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4678

Email: nduff@deltastate.edu

Delta State commencement exercises honor Class of '26

CLEVELAND, Miss. - May 9, 2025 - Delta State University proudly celebrated the achievements of its Spring 2026 graduates during commencement exercises held Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8, at the Bologna Performing Arts Center. The four ceremonies honored 436 candidates for degrees, including 277 bachelor's degrees, 120 master's degrees, 28 educational specialist degrees, and 11 doctoral degrees.

As part of the ceremonies, DSU student Marion Cork of Indianola, accompanied by DSU alum Ronnie Jackson, sang the national anthem.

At each ceremony, Delta State President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis welcomed the assembled graduates, families, faculty, and distinguished guests, saying, "Every day is a great day at Delta State University, and I know our degree candidates will remember this day fondly in particular, a day in which we honor the Spring 2026 graduating class. We honor you for your hard work and perseverance in achieving academic success. Graduates, you have reached a milestone."

Ennis presented the S. E. Kossman Outstanding Teacher Award to Dr. Maria Weber, Associate Professor of Physics and Director of the Roy L. and Clara Belle Wiley Planetarium, and the H. L. Nowell Outstanding Support Staff Award to Claire Cole, Coordinator of Executive Services and Office Manager for the Office of the President.

Ennis explained that, due to renovations taking place at Walter Sillers Coliseum necessitating multiple shorter commencement exercises at the BPAC, he was challenged when it came to selecting a speaker for the events. He said, "Who did I know that could be inspiring and meaningful to our graduates, but also brief? You can find a speaker but finding a brief speakereven the speakers who claim they will be briefis a challenge. But I thought, 'I know just the individual.'"

Ennis continued, "And I tell you all, I'm so pleased to introduce your commencement speaker, because I promise you, you, the class of 2026, will experience a commencement speaker that will never, ever, be a speaker again. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, graduatesthe 2026 commencement speaker, the Fighting Okra of Delta State University!"

The beloved mascot took the stage to the tune of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" and thunderous applause from the audience. The Okra produced an oversized document labeled "Okra Speech," then promptly ripped it to shreds and exited stage left. Ennis returned to the podium and said, "And that concludes the 2026 commencement address. I hope you enjoyed it!"

After graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, Dr. Ennis conferred the degrees, subject to final certification by the Registrar's Office. He then welcomed Cork and Jackson back to the stage to lead the assembly in singing the "Alma Mater." The graduates and faculty then filed out of the auditorium, concluding the ceremony.

Delta State University extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of Spring 2026 and looks forward to their continued success as proud alumni of the Green and White.

For more information about degree programs at Delta State University, visit deltastate.edu. To view a recording of the live stream of the commencement ceremonies, visit vimeo.com/deltastateuniversity.

Cutline 1: DSU President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis addresses graduates during Spring Commencement exercises.

Cutline 2: DSU President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis assists the Fighting Okra with his commencement speech.

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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.