LOCAL STUDENT, BATESVILLE: Delta State celebrates graduates of Agricultural Aviation Operations Career Pathway program

Cleveland, MS (05/18/2026) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4678

Email: nduff@deltastate.edu

Delta State celebrates graduates of Agricultural Aviation Operations Career Pathway program

CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University celebrated the graduation of 10 students from its Agricultural Aviation Operations Career Pathway program during a Certification Ceremony held May 14 in the Multipurpose Room of the Young-Mauldin Dining Hall on the DSU campus.

The ceremony recognized students who completed the specialized workforce development program designed to prepare the next generation of agricultural aviation professionals for careers in one of Mississippi's most vital industries.

The event opened with a welcome from Joseph Childs, dean of the College of Business and Aviation, and an invocation delivered by Brett Morgan of Prayers for Pilots.

Bill Crump, regional representative for Cindy Hyde-Smith, then addressed the graduates and guests. Crump first played a congratulatory video message from Hyde-Smith, who emphasized the critical role agricultural aviation plays not only in Mississippi, but across the nation. She said, "Agricultural aviation plays a critical role in supporting our farmers and sustaining the very foundation of our economy. What we've built and continue to grow here at Delta State is a model, not just for Mississippi, but for the nation."

Hyde-Smith also noted that Delta State is positioned at the forefront of aviation education in the United States through its continued investment in agricultural aviation training. She said, "This is where agriculture lives and breathes. Mississippi's agriculture depends on skilled, courageous pilots. Your work and the risks you will take every day are in service of the farmers who feed, clothes and fuel this nation. That kind of service deserves respect, and it has mine."

Crump followed the video with remarks of his own to the graduates. "This program is known as the only one of its kind in the whole nation," he said. "That is something that we should all be proud of."

Ike Brunetti, president of Delta Regional Agricultural Flight Training (DRAFT), LLC, was instrumental in developing the program and has led the training of each cohort of pilots. He spoke next, saying, "I'm so grateful that the university has allowed me to be a part of this program," he said. "It is an honor and a privilege." He thanked the university leadership for their commitment to training the next generation of agricultural pilots, and the teams that help facilitate and guide the program.

Certificates were then presented to the graduates by Dr. Leslie Griffin, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, and Marshal Tomlinson, director of Flight Operations.

Following the certificate presentations, Mitzi Woods of the South Delta Planning and Development District presented the graduates with flight helmets purchased through the organization's support of the program.

The ceremony also included the presentation of two scholarships recognizing outstanding students in the Agricultural Aviation Operations Career Pathway program. Levi Gee received the William Austin Scrogin Agricultural Aviation Scholarship, while Morgan Cotton received the Connor Lang Agricultural Aviation Scholarship.

Delta State's Agricultural Aviation Operations Career Pathway program was developed to address the growing demand for qualified agricultural aviation professionals while supporting Mississippi's agricultural economy. The program combines aviation instruction with industry partnerships and workforce development initiatives to provide students with direct pathways into the agricultural aviation field.

Ten pilots received certification:

Austin Ard - Cleveland, Mississippi

Morgan Cotton - Greenville, Mississippi

Jeffery Croom - Donaldsonville, Texas

Michael Derr - Skidmore, Missouri

August Ganchiff - Chicago, Illinois

Levi Gee - Sledge, Mississippi

Kolby Nelson - Independence, Mississippi

Garret Stanfield - Batesville, Arkansas

Christian Wagner - Cleveland, Mississippi

Ja'Den Williams - Cleveland, Mississippi

Cutline: Pilots from the DSU Agricultural Aviation Operations Career Pathway received their certifications Thursday, joined by officials from Delta State, the South Delta Planning and Development District, DRAFT, LLC, and Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith's office. (L to R, front to back) Mitzi Woods, Dr. Joe Childs, Bill Crump, Garrett Stanfield, Austin Ard, Jeffery Croom, Levi Gee, Morgan Cotton, Sheila Millican, Ike Brunetti, Michael Derr, Ja'Den Williams, August Ganchiff, Kolby Nelson, Christian Wagner.

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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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