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LOCAL STUDENT, GREENVILLE: New class of aspiring ag pilots take flight at Delta State

Cleveland, MS (11/17/2025) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4678

Email: nduff@deltastate.edu

New class of aspiring ag pilots take flight at Delta State

CLEVELAND, Miss. - As the leaves turn and harvest season winds down in the Mississippi Delta, a fresh cohort of aspiring agricultural aviators is soaring into action at Delta State University. This fall, the university's Aerial Applicator Pilot Training Certificate program - an eight-month intensive designed to combat the nationwide shortage of ag pilots - kicked off on October 1, welcoming 10 students eager to trade classrooms for cockpits.

The program is the result of DSU's collaboration with area ag pilots, the Cleveland Airport Board and many others. The Delta State University Agricultural Aircraft Operations Career Pathway is a $2 million Congressional award that is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Additional training and supportive services funds were provided for the students by AccelerateMS and the Mississippi Office of Apprenticeship, MDES, through South Delta Planning and Development District.

The initiative not only promises 100% job placement but also offers graduates starting salaries upwards of $75,000 in their first year - a lucrative draw for those passionate about blending aviation with agriculture. Selected through a rigorous interview process in early August, this year's class all hold private pilot licenses and at least 50 hours of tailwheel experience. Early weeks have already buzzed with hands-on training in light bars, tailwheel maneuvers, and turbine aircraft, setting the stage for advanced sessions in HAZMAT handling and aircraft like the AT/802 and Cessna 188 AG Truck.

Among the newcomers is Kolby Nelson, a recent Lewisburg High School graduate from Independence, Mississippi. He said, "I've been in agriculture for about 6 years now, and I knew that I wanted to be a pilot, and that I wanted to be an ag pilot." Already holding his private pilot license for two years and an instrument rating earned in March, he's now pursuing his commercial license through the program. What stands out most? "Well, the planes, of course, learning about the light bar, and the different patterns we are going to be using, listening to the stories from experienced pilots about what to do and what not to do." But his favorite part? "Learning how to fly tailwheels is my favorite part. Tailwheel flying is by far the best flying."

Morgan Cotton, hailing from Greenville, Mississippi, and a Riverside High School alum, brings a pure passion for flight without a traditional farm upbringing. "I've always dreamed about being an ag pilot. I never thought it was reachable until I started getting my private license," Cotton said. The thrill of crop dusters hooked her early. "It's just always been a dream. I can't really tell you why. Just...I like it. They look like fun to fly." With her private license secured over a year ago and instrument training nearing completion, Cotton has dived into light bar exercises. "I started my light bar training... I'm almost done with a portion of that. I still have a ways to go, but next week I should start soloing the light bar." Looking ahead, she's laser focused. "I hope to find a seat somewhere," she said. "I want to get straight to work. We're going to make some big girl money, you know?"

Garrett Stanfield, originally from Batesville, Arkansas, now resides in Cleveland. A Batesville High School graduate, Stanfield's journey to Delta State came via a tip from a friend, Jesse Hughes, who completed the program last year. "I actually heard about it through a buddy, and I had been... I've been chasing ag aviation for four years," he said. His pursuit included loading air tractors in Illinois for two summers and driving tender trucks for helicopters in Wisconsin the past two - all while building his ratings independently. Fresh off earning his private license in March, Stanfield is tackling instrument training under Delta State's FAA Part 141 program. Highlights so far? "Getting checked out in the Citabrias. That's been fun. Getting to start building tailwheel time." Ultimately, helicopters are his endgame, he says. "That's what I ultimately want to do. Helicopters are my love. I've got time in helicopters, and that's definitely what I want to do. But that'll come a little later."

These stories echo the program's mission: transforming aviation enthusiasts into insurable, employable ag pilots ready to fill critical gaps in the industry. As one recent graduate, Anthony Duffin from the Class of 2024, reflected: "The Aerial Applicator program at Delta State made my childhood dream of becoming an ag pilot a reality." With grant scholarships covering much of the training costs, this cohort is poised to graduate in May 2026, joining a vital workforce that keeps America's farms thriving from above.

Full Roster of the 2025-2026 Aerial Applicator Pilot Training Certificate Class:

Austin Ard, Cleveland, MS

Morgan Cotton, Greenville, MS

Jeffery Croom, Cleveland, MS

August Ganchiff, Cleveland, MS

Levi Gee, Sardis, MS

Christopher (Blake) Golden, Cleveland, MS

Kolby Nelson, Independence, MS

Garrett Stanfield, Batesville, AR

Christian Wagner, Cleveland, MS

Ja'Den Williams, Cleveland, MS

For more information about aviation programs at Delta State, visit www.deltastate.edu/business-aviation.

Cutline: Delta State University is training the next cohort of pilots for its Agricultural Aviation Career Pathways Certification. (L to R) Garrett Stanfield, Levi Gee, Jeffery Croom, Blake Golden, Ja'Den Williams, Christian Wagner, Gus Ganchiff, Kolby Nelson, Austin Ard, and Morgan Cotton.

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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.

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Delta State University is training the next cohort of pilots for its Agricultural Aviation Career Pathways Certification. (L to R) Garrett Stanfield, Levi Gee, Jeffery Croom, Blake Golden, Ja'Den Williams, Christian Wagner, Gus Ganchiff, Kolby Nelson, Austin Ard, and Morgan Cotton.

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