Delta State University

LOCAL STUDENT, BILOXI: Delta State FBLA inducts 13 members, announces chapter officers

Cleveland, MS (11/11/2026) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4678

Email: nduff@deltastate.edu

Delta State FBLA inducts 13 members, announces chapter officers

CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University's Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate chapter inducted 13 members and recognized its officers for the 2026-27 academic year during an Oct. 19 ceremony in the Baioni Conference Room in Broom Hall.

The inductees included 10 new members and three returning members. The ceremony celebrated students' commitment to leadership, professional development and preparation for careers in business.

The chapter is advised by Thomasa N. Jackson, Instructor in Management, and Christie Sledge, Interim Chair of Management, Marketing and Business Administration and Instructor of Marketing, in Delta State's College of Business.

"As the advisors of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate at Delta State University, we believe leadership is not simply about holding a title, but about having the courage to lead, the vision to inspire, and the determination to make a difference," Jackson said.

The chapter also recognized six elected officers who will guide its activities during the academic year. Their responsibilities include encouraging member participation, promoting professional development and strengthening the chapter's involvement on campus and in the community.

"Our mission is to develop the next generation of innovative thinkers, confident professionals, and ethical business leaders who are prepared to turn opportunities into success," Sledge said. "We are excited to help cultivate a chapter where students are empowered to discover their potential, embrace challenges, and create a lasting impact both on campus and beyond."

FBLA provides opportunities for students to develop leadership, communication and professional skills through activities that support academic and career success. Delta State's chapter brings together students from across Mississippi and internationally, offering opportunities to build relationships and gain experience through leadership, service and collaboration.

Officers for the 2026-27 academic year are:

Marion Cork of Indianola, president

Iyana Norris of Rosedale, vice president

Blessyn Hull of Greenville, secretary

Keaylah Byrd of Cleveland, treasurer

Nicholas Williams of Philipp, parliamentarian

Clarence Williams of Moorhead, public relations officer

Cork, Norris and Hull are returning members.

The chapter's 10 new members are:

Janiyah Thigpen of Drew

Ekeyvion Noel of Grenada

Keaylah Byrd of Cleveland

Duaa Alzandani of Sana'a, Yemen

Zorielle Hester of Hollandale

Kimberli Marroquin of Carthage

Nicholas Williams of Philipp

Jacoby Franklin of Belzoni

Taylor Merten of Biloxi

Clarence Williams of Moorhead

Cutline: Delta State University's FBLA Collegiate members and advisors gather for the chapter's induction ceremony Oct. 19, 2026, in Broom Hall. Pictured are advisors Thomasa Jackson and Christie Sledge; members Blessyn Hull, Zorielle Hester, Marion Cork, Keaylah Byrd, Kimberli Marroquin, Iyana Norris, Clarence Williams and Janiyah Thigpen; and advisors Dr. Charles Seman, Jacob Habashi and Dr. Ngepu Kiawi. Not pictured are members Duaa Alzandani, Jacoby Franklin, Taylor Merten, Ekeyvion Noel and Nicholas Williams.

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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.