Delta State University

Delta State University Summary

Delta State University is a regional public university located in Cleveland, Mississippi, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta; The name was later changed to Delta State College (1955) and then Delta State University (1974). Google Maps Approximately 3,200 students enroll annually in one of Delta State’s undergraduate degree programs, with an additional 600 enrolled in post-graduate or professional level courses. The Delta State University Department of Athletics sponsors thirteen intercollegiate sports, competing at the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II level. Delta State’s most notable sports figure may be Dave “Boo” Ferriss who coached the baseball program for nearly thirty years and led them to three appearances in the NCAA Division II College World Series before retiring in 1988.

Summary content courtesy of Wikipedia.

Delta State University History

Delta State was created in 1924 as Delta State Teachers College, through an act of the State Senate. It was first opened in 1925, with eleven faculty and staff and 97 students. The first degrees were conferred in 1928. The first President died during the first year of operation, but his successor, Dr. W. M. Kethley, served for thirty years, from 1926 to 1956. The name was changed in 1955 to Delta State College, and fifteen years later was reorganized into four schools. The first masters degrees, in Education, were offered in 1966.

Delta State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its mission is “to be the best regional university in America as it combines a heritage of academic strength with a robust commitment to serving people and communities, particularly in the Mississippi Delta.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute. Its students come largely from the Mississippi Delta region.

Delta State University Academics

Delta State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 4 colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the School of Nursing.

Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as art, accountancy, aviation management, English, environmental science, fashion merchandising, education, music, and social work. Many of the majors, such as foreign languages, mathematics, and chemistry include educator licensure. Specialized areas of cultural studies, health, and engineering or technical fields are not available majors. Minors are available in some fields, including many of the majors, audiology-speech pathology, ethnic studies, great books, and wildlife law enforcement.

Graduate programs are offered in educations, arts and science, business, and nursing. These include master’s level programs in business administration, commercial aviation, education, English education, history education, social sciences education, counseling, community development, criminal justice, natural science, and nursing. A doctoral degree is offered in education. The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is offered through the College of Education in educational administration and in elementary education and supervision (educational leadership).

Delta State offers 42 different majors and 12 different degrees. The degrees are offered through the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and Nursing. One of the University’s most popular degree programs is the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. The BSIS program gives students an opportunity to prepare for particular careers or academic plans by experiencing a diverse array of topics and studies. It is a university-wide degree, and students can create their own specialty or major depending on their plans for the future. Two- or three-subject majors are common and can be integrated easily into a well-structured curriculum. Four courses are at the core of the Interdisciplinary Studies program and prepare students to experience the differences of many disciplines in unison.

Delta State University Unique Programs

Delta State University has an undergraduate Honors Program which provides Honors students with numerous additional opportunities for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and special advising and mentoring.

Delta State’s Center for Community and Economic Development encourages faculty and staff to work with community and other agencies and organizations on development in the Mississippi Delta region. The Delta Center for Culture and Learning offers classes and tours on the culture and history of the area.

The Center for Community and Economic Development was founded in 1994 by the University’s President. It’s fundamental mission is to improve the quality of life for those people who live in the Delta area. Faculty are able to conduct research, educate the public, and assist private sector partners in improving the general quality of life. The Center’s staff develops partnerships with outside organizations—public and private—and emphasizes leadership development and community service in DSU students.

Unique to Delta State is the “Courtesy Committee.” This group of faculty and staff steward the University’s family atmosphere and remember and recognize all faculty or staff whenever a significant event occurs in their life. It is a nonprofit corporation, and solicits donations from the University community for the goodwill of other University employees.

The Center for Science and Environmental Education prepares students to educate others in the importance and impact of human activity on the environment. Courses offered include teaching-intensive subject matter for primary and secondary educators.

Delta State University Financial Aid

Tuition at Delta State University is $1,881 per semester for the 2005-2006 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available for students with higher need. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line.

Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process.

Delta State encourages students to complete the FAFSA documentation for consideration of financial aid opportunities. The majority of the financial aid office’s links to aid programs are federal or state-funded opportunities, and the FAFSA is the first and most important step in securing those kinds of opportunities. To be eligible for financial aid, students must be enrolled in courses that contribute to their degree plan, must not receive aid that exceeds their cost of attendance, must apply for aid each year they are enrolled, and must be registered with the Selective Service (male applicants only).

Delta State University Students

Student life at Delta State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. Groups include fraternities and sororities, academic and professional organizations, political and religious groups, and student government groups. The student union building provides meeting rooms, recreation areas, and lounges. The student newspaper is located in the student union.

The Bologna Performing Arts Center, located n campus, includes a theatre and a recital hall. Past performances have included plays and opera.

In addition to its many clubs and organizations, Delta State is home to six social sororities and eight social fraternities. Other organizations include interests from advertising to social work. The Division of Student Affairs, in addition to governing the Universities many student organizations, also coordinates campus security, housing, testing and counseling, and the Student Union. The Nowell Union serves as the center of the Delta State campus and has the mission of meeting daily needs for faculty, students, and staff. It includes offices for Student Development, Student Government, the Program Council, and houses the University Calendar. Also housed are the student media, bookstore, and various eateries. The Union’s scenic balcony encircles the entire structure and provides a panoramic view of the Delta State campus.

Delta State University Local Community

Delta State University is located in Cleveland, Mississippi, a small town in the northwest corner of the state, on the Mississippi River. The surrounding environment is rural. Near-by attractions include the historic town of Mound Bayou, built by former slaves and the river town of Rosedale which is home to a blues festival. Other events in the region include a tractor pull, an arts and jazz festival, and a rice tasting luncheon.

Cleveland, Mississippi has a population of nearly 14,000. Its greatest distinction is being named after President Grover Cleveland. The town bills itself as “Crossroad of Culture.” It has been recognized as “one of the 100 best small towns in America.” Cleveland has a vibrant blues community, and attracts and retains a large proportion of musicians from around the country. Other attractions include hunting and fishing, as well as sight seeing for nature lovers. With more than 200 species of birds, the Mississippi flyway attracts a good number of bird watchers each season.