Delta State University

DSU's Future Business Leaders of America bring home awards

Cleveland, MS (03/27/2026) —

Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4678

Email: nduff@deltastate.edu

DSU's Future Business Leaders of America bring home awards

CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University's chapter delegation of Future Business Leaders of America showcased its talent and business acumen at the 2026 State Leadership Conference, held Feb. 25-27 at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Competing against top FBLA chapters from across the state, Delta State students brought home numerous awards and secured their place among Mississippi's top future business leaders. The team has also advanced to the national level and hopes to compete this summer in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Several Delta State students earned recognition for outstanding performances across a wide range of competitive events. Hannah Mowdy, an accountancy major from Union, placed fourth in Foundations of Communication and third in Foundations of Finance. Iyana Norris, a business management major from Rosedale, earned first place in International Business (Test) and third place in Emerging Business Issues (Presentation). Kamien Miller, a computer information systems major from Rosedale, placed second in Foundations of Finance and second in Cybersecurity. Jakori Johnson, a computer information systems major from Greenwood, earned second place in Business Presentation and third place in Foundations of Computer Science.

Blessyn Hull, a communications major from Greenville, placed third in State of Chapter, fourth in Hospitality Management Test and fourth in Customer Service Role. Nyesha Ricks, a business major from Greenville, earned third place in Customer Service. Ja'Kyla Clark, a criminal justice major from Greenville, placed third in Business Law. Caleb Johnson, a computer information systems major from Indianola, earned first place in Organizational Behavior and Leadership and second place in Business Presentation.

Marion Cork, an entertainment industry studies major with a concentration in entrepreneurship from Indianola, earned first place in Hospitality Management Case (Presentation) and third place in Business Ethics (Presentation). LaTamara Oubre, a Master of Business Administration student in information systems from Woodville, placed second in Business Presentation. Meljanique Jackson, a business administration major in marketing and management from Rosedale, earned third place in Foundations of Communication and third place in Project Management.

In addition to the students' individual accomplishments, the Delta State FBLA leadership team played an instrumental role in preparing members for competition. The leadership team includes LaTamara Oubre, president; Algernon Cooper, treasurer; Meljanique Jackson, secretary; and Ladatrian Bolden, public relations/reporter.

"We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work, dedication, and success at this year's State Leadership Conference," said Professor Christie Sledge, Instructor of Management and FBLA Advisor. "Their accomplishments are a reflection of their commitment to excellence in business and leadership."

For more information on business and management programs at Delta State, visit the College of Business and Aviation's website at deltastate.edu/business-aviation/.

Cutline: (L to R) Christie Sledge, Meljanique Jackson, Ja'Kyla Clark, Nyesha Ricks, Kamien Miller, Latamara Oubre, Caleb Johnson, Iyana Norris, Hannah Mowdy, Marion Cork, Blessyn Hull and Jakori Johnson represented Delta State at the Future Business Leaders of America 2026 State Leadership 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 15 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.

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(L to R) Christie Sledge, Meljanique Jackson, Ja’Kyla Clark, Nyesha Ricks, Kamien Miller, Latamara Oubre, Caleb Johnson, Iyana Norris, Hannah Mowdy, Marion Cork, Blessyn Hull and Jakori Johnson represented Delta State at the Future Business Leaders of America 2026 State Leadership Conference.

Ladatrian

Bolden