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LOCAL STUDENT, LEXINGTON: Delta State University celebrates students accepted into professional schools

Cleveland, MS (02/25/2025) — CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University proudly announces that four students from the Division of Mathematics and Sciences have been accepted into prestigious professional schools, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.

Dr. Chris Jurgenson, Associate Professor of Biochemistry, expressed his pride in the students' achievements. "I am very proud of all our hardworking students who are continuing their education in professional school," he said. "I've had every one of them in at least one of my classes, and the work ethic and determination they have shown at DSU will serve them well in their future careers."

Among those accepted is Carson Traylor, of Sherwood, Arkansas, who will attend the University of Tennessee Health Science Center School of Dentistry. Traylor credits his success to the academic rigor and mentorship he received at Delta State. "The study habits I had to develop at DSU helped me succeed beyond the city limits of Cleveland," he said. "This was not a solo journey-I am grateful for the investment and guidance from professors like Drs. Jurgenson, Bentley, Smithhart, and the former dean of the honors school, Dr. Gerald."

Johnathan McCaskill of Lexington, Mississippi will pursue his studies at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. He attributes his success to the mentorship of faculty and advisors. "Professors like Drs. Smithhart and Jurgenson, along with post-baccalaureate advisors such as Dr. Dannielle Taylor, introduced me to the broad world of research," he said. "Their guidance opened up new opportunities in my field, and I owe it all to them."

Aubrey Claire Norris of Senatobia, Mississippi has been accepted into the UMMC Rural Physicians program. She emphasized the role of DSU's close-knit academic community in her journey. "I chose Delta State because of its smaller class sizes and strong sense of community," she said. "The professors were incredibly supportive, guiding me through class selection, the MCAT process, and medical school applications. Their mentorship was invaluable every step of the way."

Taylor Klosterman of Niceville, Florida will attend the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. She highlighted the holistic support she received at DSU. "My professors pushed me to reach my full potential while providing unwavering support," she said. "Beyond academics, DSU gave me opportunities for campus involvement that helped me develop skills beyond the classroom. My advisor also played a key role in keeping me on track toward my goals."

Delta State University congratulates these outstanding students on their achievements and wishes them success in their future endeavors. For more information about Delta State University's academic programs, visit www.deltastate.edu.

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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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