There were 15 students from Coahoma County who were among the 336 students receiving degrees from Delta State University during its 92nd commencement ceremony held Friday, Dec. 7 in the Bologna Performing Arts Center in Cleveland.
Those local students receiving degrees were: Ariel Artis, of Clarksdale, who received a bachelor of fine arts degree majoring in art; Stephanie Artis, of Clarksdale, who received a bachelor’s degree majoring in aviation management; and Abigail Bond, of Clarksdale, who received a bachelor of science degree majoring in family and consumer services.
Also, Jasmine Cleark, of Clarksdale, who received a master’s of science degree majoring in community development; Gregory Daniel, of Clarksdale, who received a bachelor’s degree majoring in computer information systems; and Kierra Eckles, of Clarksdale, who received a bachelor of science degree majoring in biology.
Also, Khadijha Flowers, of Jonestown, who received a bachelor of science degree majoring in family and consumer sciences; Ryne Gipson, of Coahoma, who received a master’s degree majoring in business administration; and Anna Goode, of Lyon, who received a bachelor’s degree majoring in general business administration.
Also, Adam Green, of Clarksdale, who received a bachelor of fine arts degree majoring in art; Marchellio McCray, of Clarksdale, who received a bachelor of science degree majoring in general studies; and Justice Myles, of Clarksdale, who received a bachelor’s degree majoring in management.
Also, Eugene Polite, of Clarksdale, who received a bachelor of science degree majoring in general studies; Shariss Sneed, of Friars Point, who received a bachelor’s degree majoring in management; and Jacqueline Tyler, of Clarksdale, who received a master’s degree majoring in liberal studies.
The university awarded degrees to 223 undergraduate students and 113 graduate students.
“Today, graduates, you have reached a milestone, and we are very pleased to recognize your achievements,” said Delta State President William N. LaForge, who led both the morning session, which honored undergraduate students from the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing and all graduate students, and the afternoon event, which celebrated undergraduates from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Aviation, and Education and Human Sciences. “I urge you to view your college education as a trust that commits you to a lifetime of learning and service.”
Dr. Clifton Wingard, former chair of the Department of Mathematics and recipient last spring of the 2018 S. E. Kossman Teaching Award, the highest distinction a faculty member may be accorded at Delta State, delivered the keynote address.
“Don’t forget the institutions and the people who helped you achieve this milestone,” said Wingard, who departed Delta State after 22 years to join the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus and who returned to campus to speak, upholding the Delta State tradition that the Kossman award winner address fall commencement graduates.
The 223 undergraduate degrees broke down as follows: College of Arts and Sciences, 79; College of Education and Human Sciences, 67; College of Business and Aviation, 42; School of Nursing, 35.
The 113 graduate degrees broke down as follows: College of Education and Human Sciences, 51; College of Business and Aviation, 38; College of Arts and Sciences, 22; School of Nursing, 2.
“This nation and the state of Mississippi need the benefit of the skills and learning you have acquired here,” LaForge said. “We send you into the world with our deep affection and wish for each of you the fullest measure of success.”
