Delta State dedicates new sculpture garden courtyard at nursing building

Cleveland, MS (11/06/2026) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4678

Email: nduff@deltastate.edu

Delta State dedicates new sculpture garden courtyard at nursing building

CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University recently dedicated the Dr. Rose Strahan Courtyard at the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, recognizing the retired mathematics professor's decades of service, generosity and continued leadership in supporting the university.

Strahan, who helped lead the effort to create the sculpture garden and courtyard, was completely surprised when a plaque was unveiled revealing that the space had been named in her honor. The Dedicated Statesmen Association requested the naming in recognition of her enduring commitment to Delta State and its students.

"May the Dr. Rose Strahan Courtyard serve as a lasting reminder of her generosity, her devotion and the many ways she has helped Delta State University grow and flourish," said Dr. Myrtis Tabb, chairperson of the Dedicated Statesmen Association.

Strahan retired in 2009 after 41 years at Delta State, including service as chair of the Department of Mathematics from 1978 to 2009. A native of Slate Springs, she earned her mathematics degree from Mississippi College, her master's degree from the University of Mississippi and her doctorate from the University of Florida. Before her university career, she taught mathematics at Gulfport High School and Murrah High School.

Her commitment to students extended beyond the classroom. In 2009, she supported the Rose Strahan Endowed Scholarship for Mathematics through a planned gift of a $750,000 life insurance policy. A longtime supporter of Statesmen and Lady Statesmen athletics, she also served as Delta State's faculty athletics representative from 2003 to 2009.

Now vice chair of the Dedicated Statesmen Association, Strahan continues to help identify and advance projects benefiting the campus. Tabb said the garden recognizes both her financial generosity and her loyalty, leadership and deep affection for the university.

Dr. Vicki Bingham, Dean of the College of Nursing, Health, and Sciences, said naming the garden for Strahan was a fitting recognition of her involvement from the earliest discussions through the project's completion.

"With all of her involvement and this being her vision and insight, it was just the most appropriate thing to do," Bingham said. "She was very instrumental in the project and seeing it all the way through."

The garden features a sculpture by artist Clifton Cox representing the passing of a flame. The design connects the space to Florence Nightingale's legacy and the lamp-lighting tradition observed during nursing pinning ceremonies.

"The lamp is a symbol of knowledge, and we pass that on to our students," Bingham said.

The project began when the Dedicated Statesmen Association visited the nursing building for updates on renovations and nursing students. During the visit, Bingham invited ideas for an open area in the courtyard. After considering options and consulting with university leaders and staff, the group determined that a sculpture honoring nurses would be appropriate.

The association includes retired faculty and staff, patrons and others interested in supporting Delta State. Members identify campus projects and work with the university to complete them, including helping with funding.

Strahan led the garden effort and enlisted Nan Sanders to help identify an artist. Sanders connected the group with Cox, whose work had been featured in the Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden competition. Cox developed a drawing for Bingham and Strahan to review, and the design was refined around the symbolism of passing knowledge to future nurses.

Dr. Suzette Matthews, Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Delta State University Foundation, helped coordinate the garden naming and dedication, with assistance from Foundation Development Officer Amber Kincaid.

Cox installed the sculpture the Saturday before the dedication, with assistance from artist Lawson King.

For more information about the College of Nursing, Health and Sciences at Delta State, visit www.deltastate.edu/nursing-health-sciences/.

Cutline 1: Dr. Rose Strahan stands beside the plaque naming the courtyard at Delta State University's Robert E. Smith School of Nursing in her honor. The dedication recognizes her decades of teaching, leadership and support for the university.

Cutline 2: Dr. Rose Strahan reacts with surprise as the announcement is made that the courtyard at Delta State University's Robert E. Smith School of Nursing will bear her name. Strahan helped lead the project through the Dedicated Statesmen Association without knowing she would be honored.

Cutline 3: Dr. Rose Strahan cuts the ribbon at the dedication of the courtyard named in her honor at Delta State University's Robert E. Smith School of Nursing. Friends, Dedicated Statesmen Association members and university representatives join her to celebrate the space, which features a sculpture symbolizing the passing of nursing knowledge to future generations.

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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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