Delta State University

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Established 1924
Type Public, Coeducational
President Dr. John Hilpert
Location Cleveland, Mississippi, United States
Campus 332 acres
Colors Green and White
Website www.deltastate.edu

Delta State University is a regional public university located in Cleveland, Mississippi, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta; one of eight publicly funded universities in the state. Delta State is commonly referred to as "DSU".

Contents

[edit] History

Established in 1924 by an act of the Mississippi Legislature, Delta State Teachers College first opened its doors to students in 1925. The name was later changed to Delta State College (1955) and then Delta State University (1974).

[edit] Campus

DSU is located on 332 acres at 1003 W Sunflower Rd (Highway 8 West), Cleveland, MS, 38733. 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. Almost 40% of students reside in on-campus housing. Delta State provides both men's dormitories and women's dormitories, as well as apartments for married students.

The official colors are green and white. Since 1975, Delta State's mascot are officially known as the "Statesmen", however in recent years the unofficial mascot has become the "Fighting Okra". The "Fighting Okra" was featured in the "Okraphobia" episode of the Food Network show Good Eats.

[edit] Academics

Delta State provides strict undergraduate curriculum, offering 12 baccalaureate degrees in 42 majors. The university also advances student training through certain fields by providing graduate programs of study for eight master's degrees, the Educational Specialist degree and the Doctor of Education degree.

[edit] Athletics and sports

Fighting Okra
Fighting Okra

The Delta State University Department of Athletics sponsors thirteen intercollegiate sports, competing at the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II level. DSU is affiliated with the Gulf South Conference and New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference. The institution competes intercollegiately in men’s football, basketball, baseball, swimming, diving, tennis, soccer, and golf. The women’s intercollegiate program consists of basketball, tennis, fast-pitch softball, cross-country, swimming, soccer, and diving. [1].

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. Baltimore Orioles catcher Eli Whiteside played baseball for the University.

Delta State won the 2000 NCAA Division II national football championship.

[edit] List of Presidents of Delta State

  • Dr. Aubrey Lucas - 1971-1975
  • Dr. Kent Wyatt - 1975-1999
  • Dr. David Potter - 1999-2002
  • Dr. John Hilpert - 2003-present

[edit] External links