DSU celebrates 485 degrees at Fall Commencement
Cleveland, MS (12/16/2024) — Contact: Christy Riddle FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (662) 846-4336
Email: criddle@deltastate.edu
DSU celebrates 485 degrees at Fall Commencement
CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University held its Fall 2024 Commencement ceremonies at the Bologna Performing Arts Center on December 13 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The ceremonies celebrated the achievements of 485 candidates for degrees, including 183 bachelor's degrees, 217 master's degrees, 59 educational specialist degrees, and 26 doctoral degrees.
Delta State President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis welcomed the assembly, recognizing family members, special guests and the DSU faculty. He then welcomed commencement speaker Lee Inmon Dean to the podium.
A native of Leland, Dean is a beloved member of the Delta State community, having served as a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics for two decades. She earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics from Delta State University before pursuing both her master's and Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Mississippi.
Dean began her professional career as a Senior Pricing Analyst with Kemper Specialty Insurance Company. In 2004, Dean returned to Delta State as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Her accolades include being named the Mississippi College Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics in 2022 and receiving Delta State's prestigious S.E. Kossman Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award in 2024.
Dean spoke to the graduates about her observations of the student experience at DSU. She remarked on the achievements of both well-known and unsung alumni who have made immeasurable impacts on their fields. "Delta State University has some very fine alumni, who have done and are still doing incredible work. Delta State University has provided a solid foundation, preparing its graduates for a successful life's work for almost 100 years."
Ennis then introduced Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Trustee Jerry Griffith, an alumnus of DSU. Griffith came forward to congratulate the graduates and to convey the IHL's authorization for the conferring of degrees. Students were then called forward to receive their degrees.
When the graduates had been recognized and had returned to their seats, Ennis conferred the degrees, subject to completion of all requirements as certified by the Registrar's Office and congratulated the graduates again.
Ennis then introduced Alumni Association Board President Hays Collins to welcome them as the newest alumni of the university.
Collins said, "I encourage you to become involved with your Delta State alumni family. We have alumni in every field imaginable, and they want to help you on the next phase of your life. Congratulations, and good luck on your journey."
For more information about degree programs at Delta State University, visit https://www.deltastate.edu/. To view a recording of the live stream of the commencement ceremonies, visit https://livestream.com/deltastateuniversity.
Cutline: DSU conferred 485 degrees during graduation ceremonies Friday.
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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 conferred 485 degrees during graduation ceremonies Friday.