LOCAL STUDENT, CICERO: Delta State GIT department announces Carlysle Meek Scholarship recipient

Please Note: INCORRECTLY NAMED PORTO AS PORTIS PLEASE DISCARD EARLIER DRAFT

Cleveland, MS (05/26/2026) —

Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4678

Email: nduff@deltastate.edu

Delta State GIT department announces Carlysle Meek Scholarship recipient

CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Delta State University Department of Geospatial Information Technologies (GIT) is proud to announce Kyle Porto of Cicero, New York as the recipient of the Carlysle Meek Scholarship, one of the department's most prestigious student awards. Portis is a Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst in the U.S. Army pursuing a degree in Geospatial Analysis and Intelligence at DSU.

The scholarship honors Professor Emeritus of Physics Dr. Carlysle Meek, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Geospatial Center at DSU. The scholarship is awarded annually based upon a current student's academic excellence, engagement in the discipline and future professional plans.

Porto's work in the U.S. Army involves supporting military leadership and intelligence teams through geospatial analysis and imagery intelligence to assist with mission planning and operational decision-making.

Porto said, "Combining technology, data analysis and visual intelligence provides critical advantages in modern military operations and future intelligence environments."

He has supported multiple large-scale military exercises and overseas operations, including assignments in Poland and South Korea, while serving in intelligence roles within the U.S. Army.

Porto currently serves as a 35G Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst in the U.S. Army. He holds an associate degree in Intelligence Operations Studies from Cochise College and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Geospatial Analysis and Intelligence at Delta State University, with an expected graduation date of 2029.

In addition to his military and academic work, Portis is also recognized for his creative pursuits as a musician and producer. While stationed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, he began creating music and later developed a project that blends analytical and artistic expression.

"The Carlysle Meek Scholarship represents the strong tradition of excellence within Delta State's Geospatial Information Technologies program," said Dr. Joseph Childs, dean of the College of Business and Aviation. "Kyle exemplifies the commitment, discipline and forward-thinking mindset that this scholarship was created to recognize. We are proud to support his continued academic and professional journey."

Delta State's Geospatial Information Technologies program prepares students for careers in intelligence analysis, geospatial technologies, mapping, remote sensing and related fields through hands-on instruction and industry-relevant training. For more information about GIT programs at DSU, visit deltastate.edu/business-aviation/accountancy-cis-git/.

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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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