Delta State University celebrates staff during 2026 Wayne Blansett Staff Appreciation Week

Cleveland, MS (08/31/2026) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4678

Email: nduff@deltastate.edu

Delta State University celebrates staff during 2026 Wayne Blansett Staff Appreciation Week

CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University recognized its staff June 1 through 5 during the 2026 Wayne Blansett Staff Appreciation Week, a weeklong celebration honoring the employees whose work supports the university and its students each day.

Hosted by the Staff Appreciation Committee and Staff Council, the celebration gave employees opportunities to gather for fellowship, food, games and recognition.

Activities included a kickoff breakfast, raffle drawings, campuswide snack deliveries and "Donuts with Dan" featuring Delta State President Dr. Dan Ennis. Staff members also participated in an evening trivia competition, a cookout on the Quad and a closing breakfast featuring employee service awards.

"Staff Appreciation Week allows us to pause and recognize the people who help make Delta State University what it is every day," said Amanda Robinson, Staff Appreciation Chair. "Our staff members give so much to this university, and it was important to create a week that celebrated their hard work, dedication, and contributions to our campus community."

Staff Council Chair Collins Phelps said the week also strengthened the sense of community among Delta State employees.

"This week was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our staff and show them how much they are valued," Phelps said. "From the kickoff celebration through the service awards, we enjoyed bringing employees together and recognizing the important role they play in the success of Delta State."

The annual celebration was named for Dr. Wayne Blansett in recognition of his 40 years of service to Delta State. A 1973 graduate of the university, Blansett served in several leadership roles, including vice president for student affairs. Known affectionately as "Dr. B.," he was a mentor and advocate for generations of Delta State students and employees.

Established in 2015, Wayne Blansett Staff Appreciation Week continues his legacy of service, leadership and dedication to the Delta State community.

The 2026 Staff Appreciation Committee included Robinson, Phelps, Mechelle Jones, Avis Neal and Faderricka B. Harvey.

Cutline: The annual staff celebration at DSU was named for Dr. Wayne Blansett in recognition of his 40 years of service to Delta State.

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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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