DSU's Cooper awarded prestigious fellowship in Washington, D.C.
Cleveland, MS (02/24/2025) — Contact: Christy Riddle FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (662) 846-4336
Email: criddle@deltastate.edu
DSU's Cooper awarded prestigious fellowship in Washington, D.C.
CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University senior Fa'Darryl Cooper has been named the 2025 Delta Research Foundation Congressional Fellow. This prestigious fellowship offers one exceptional DSU student the opportunity to intern on Capitol Hill for a designated Mississippi senator. Cooper will spend the Spring 2025 semester in Washington, D.C., interning for United States Senator Roger Wicker.
The Delta State Congressional Fellows Program, sponsored by DSU in collaboration with Delta Council and Staplcotn, provides an invaluable experiential learning opportunity each year for an accomplished student.
Cooper, a native of the Mississippi Delta, expressed his enthusiasm for this unique opportunity. He shared that he first learned about the program through faculty members and notifications from "Today @ Delta State," a daily e-newsletter for students from the Division of Student Affairs.
"My selection as an intern on Capitol Hill has been an extraordinary opportunity and a true blessing," Cooper said. "The application process was comprehensive, requiring detailed personal information, academic records, letters of recommendation, and essays to ensure qualified candidates were selected."
During his time in Washington, D.C., Cooper has had the chance to interact with senators, representatives, fellow interns, and congressional staff members from across the country. "One of the most rewarding aspects has been conducting Capitol tours for constituents and sharing the rich history and significance of this historic building," he noted.
In addition to leading tours, Cooper's work with Senator Wicker's legislative team has included policy research and memo writing, which has given him a deeper understanding of the legislative process at the federal level. "This internship has not only enhanced my understanding of government operations but also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the important work being done in Congress while representing my university and state," Cooper said.
Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Eddie Lovin emphasized Cooper's exceptional qualifications and the significance of his selection. "Delta State University is proud to celebrate Fa'Darryl Cooper on his selection as the 2025 Delta Research Congressional Fellow," Lovin said. "A native son of the Mississippi Delta, Fa'Darryl embodies the resilience, intellect, and commitment to service that define this prestigious fellowship. His deep-rooted understanding of the Delta's unique challenges, coupled with his academic excellence and passion for public policy, make him an outstanding choice to represent the region on a national stage."
Lovin further highlighted the significance of the fellowship, stating that Cooper's role as a Congressional Fellow will provide him with the opportunity to advocate for the communities that shaped him, ensuring the voices of the Delta are heard at the highest levels of government.
For questions or more information about the Congressional Fellows Program, contact Delta State University's Office of Student Affairs at studentaffairs@deltastate.edu.
Cutline: DSU senior Fa'Darryl Cooper (R) and Senator Roger Wicker. Cooper is working in Wicker's office this semester as the Delta Research Foundation Congressional Fellow.
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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.