Delta State University physics professor awarded prestigious teaching honor

Cleveland, MS (02/03/2026) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4678

Email: nduff@deltastate.edu

Delta State University physics professor awarded prestigious teaching honor

CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University Associate Professor of Physics Dr. Maria Weber has been named the Mississippi Science Teaching Association's (MSTA) Outstanding College Science Teacher for 2025, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in collegiate STEM education.

The award was presented by MSTA President Dr. Carl DeWitt during the organization's annual conference, held in Meridian. Each year, a national panel of STEM educators selects the recipient from a competitive pool of nominations submitted from across the state.

Weber is a solar physicist, Associate Professor of Physics and Director of the Wiley Planetarium at Delta State University. For nearly two decades, she has inspired physics and astronomy students both nationally and internationally through innovative, hands-on instruction. Her teaching philosophy, that "physics is a practice," emphasizes reflection, perseverance and experiential learning as central components of student success.

In announcing the award, MSTA highlighted Weber's impact on students and the broader community, noting her dedication to advancing STEM education in the Mississippi Delta through teacher professional development and astronomy outreach programs at the Wiley Planetarium.

"It is an honor to be recognized among my peers," Weber said. "I want to send a huge thank you to all of my teachers and mentors along the way. A little bit of each of them is reflected in my teaching today. The goal that keeps me going is trying to figure out better and new ways to get students curious about our universe."

Weber's recognition underscores Delta State University's ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, particularly in the STEM disciplines. For more information about STEM programs at Delta State University, visit the College of Nursing, Health and Sciences website at deltastate.edu/nursing-health-sciences/.

Cutline: Associate Professor of Physics Dr. Maria Weber (left) was honored as Mississippi Science Teaching Association's Outstanding College Science Teacher for 2025. The award was presented by MSTA President Dr. Carl DeWitt at MSTA's annual conference.

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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 14 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.

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