Delta State employees graduate from inaugural MSU PILLAR Leadership Institute
Cleveland, MS (07/08/2026) —
Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (662) 846-4678
Email: nduff@deltastate.edu
Delta State employees graduate from inaugural MSU PILLAR Leadership Institute
CLEVELAND, Miss. - Two Delta State University employees have completed the inaugural PILLAR Leadership Institute at Mississippi State University, strengthening their leadership skills and bringing new knowledge back to campus to support student success and engagement.
Director of Engagement & Advocacy and Title IX Coordinator Tameka Curry-Bryant and Administrative Assistant for Destination Graduation Khadeisjh Dailey-Halsell graduated May 29 as members of the first cohort of the year-long leadership development program.
The PILLAR Leadership Institute, which stands for Promoting Innovation, Leadership, Learning, Advancement and Resilience, is offered through Mississippi State University's College of Professional and Continuing Studies. Designed to cultivate emerging leaders across Mississippi, particularly in the Mississippi Delta and other rural communities, the hybrid program combines online coursework, in-person retreats, mentorship and community-based leadership projects.
Throughout the program, participants completed coursework in emotional intelligence, strategic planning, financial literacy and workplace dynamics while collaborating with peers from across the state to develop practical leadership solutions through a capstone service project.
Curry-Bryant said the experience reinforced her commitment to serving students and colleagues through intentional leadership.
"I view knowledge as a reciprocal exchange and the PILLAR experience enhanced my growth mindset and resilience," Curry-Bryant said. "The strategic planning and emotional intelligence modules have provided me with competencies to better empower our students and campus community."
Dailey-Halsell said the program strengthened both her confidence and her ability to help students overcome challenges on their path to graduation.
"I saw firsthand how dedicated support helps our students succeed," Dailey-Halsell said. "The PILLAR program expanded my leadership skills and confidence. The capstone project taught me to address real challenges, and I am excited to use these solutions to help our students thrive."
Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Eddie Lovin said investing in employee leadership development ultimately strengthens the university's mission.
"We are proud of Tameka and Khadeisjh for representing Delta State University as distinguished members of the inaugural PILLAR cohort," Lovin said. "Investing in employee leadership development is an investment in the future of Delta State University. When we equip our faculty and staff to lead with confidence, purpose, and vision, we strengthen our ability to serve students, support one another, and advance the university's mission."
Funded by the Women's Foundation of Mississippi, the PILLAR Leadership Institute provides participants with opportunities to build professional networks, learn from experienced mentors and complete projects that address challenges facing Mississippi communities.
Cutline: Tameka Curry-Bryant (left) and Khadeisjh Dailey-Halsell following their graduation from the inaugural PILLAR Leadership Institute at Mississippi State University.
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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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Tameka Curry-Bryant (left) and Khadeisjh Dailey-Halsell following their graduation from the inaugural PILLAR Leadership Institute at Mississippi State University.
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