Delta State University celebrates Retirement Recognition and Service Awards Ceremony
Cleveland, MS (05/21/2025) — Contact: Christy Riddle FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (662) 846-4336
Email: criddle@deltastate.edu
Delta State University celebrates Retirement Recognition and Service Awards Ceremony
CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University recently honored the dedication and achievements of its faculty and staff during the 2025 Retirement Recognition and Service Awards Ceremony, held on April 25 at 2:00 p.m. in the Sylvia and Bob Ferguson Stateroom. The annual ceremony celebrated those retiring from the university and recognized employees for their years of service.
DSU President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis welcomed attendees to the event, setting the tone for an afternoon of heartfelt celebration and reflection. Musical prelude was provided by Dr. James Robinson, Professor Emeritus of History, while Delta Music Institute student Victoria Carter shared a musical performance that further elevated the event.
Chief Marketing Officer Dr. Christy Riddle offered reflections on her 27-year career at Delta State, sharing meaningful insights about her time with the university and the people who helped shape her journey. Following her remarks, Ennis and Dr. Edwin Craft, Vice President for Finance and Administration, presented the service awards.
Service awards were presented to the following faculty and staff:
20-Year Service Awards
Talbot Brooks, Director, Interdisciplinary Center for Geospatial Information Technology and Professor of Practice
Dana George, Senior Executive Associate Athletic Director
Dr. Kimiko Shimizu, Professor of Music & Collaborative Pianist
25-Year Service Awards
Dr. William Katembe, Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. Glendscene Williams, Interim Chair, Accountancy CIS & Finance; Professor of Finance; Director, Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research
30-Year Service Award
Brenda Dumas, Director of the Preschool Program and Instructor in Family and Consumer Sciences
The ceremony also celebrated the retirement of several long-serving faculty and staff members, with many receiving the honorary designation of emeritus in recognition of their distinguished service.
Faculty Emeriti:
Dr. Michael Amspaugh, Associate Professor Emeritus of Accounting - 13.88 years
Dr. Josh Armstrong, Associate Professor Emeritus of Music - 13.70 years
Dr. Gwen Meador, Associate Professor Emeritus of Accounting - 16.07 years
Dr. Bret Pimentel, Professor Emeritus of Music - 15.75 years
Dr. Jung-Won Shin, Professor Emeritus of Music - 16.75 years
Staff Emeriti:
Antwan Brinkley, Events Crew Leader Emeritus - 13.31 years
Trebia James-Daniels, Teacher Emeritus, Child Development Center - 25.85 years
Brenda Dumas, Teacher Emeritus, Child Development Center - 30.52 years
Boba Dean, Office Coordinator Emeritus, Facilities Management - 19.16 years
Margaret McClain, Administrative Secretary Emeritus, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences - 22.39 years
Mike Little, Manager Emeritus of HVAC and Energy, Facilities Management - 24.71 years
Christy Riddle, Chief Marketing Officer Emeritus, Communications and Marketing - 27.35 years
Additional staff retiring include:
Carla A. Johnson, Center for Community and Economic Development
Gregory Sassenrath-Cole, Library Services
Following the formal proceedings, attendees gathered for a reception on the second floor of the H.L. Nowell Union to continue celebrating and expressing appreciation for the honorees.
Delta State University thanks all retirees and award recipients for their exemplary service and lasting contributions to the campus community. Their commitment has left a legacy that will inspire future generations of faculty, staff, and students.
Cutline: DSU President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis thanks service award recipients and those retiring from DSU for their years of dedication to the university.
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About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,700 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 14 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.
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DSU President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis thanks service award recipients and those retiring from DSU for their years of dedication to the university.
Delta State University
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