Delta State University Teacher Education, Leadership, Research & Psychology

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Delta State University Teacher Education, Leadership, Research & Psychology

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Schools of Teacher Education, Leadership, Research & Psychology
College of Education, Arts, and Humanities

Delta State University started as Delta State Teachers College and held its first regular session on September 15, 1925 with 11 faculty and staff members for 97 students. The institution was officially designated Delta State University on March 15, 1974. In 1980, the Doctoral program was implemented and the first graduates completed their degrees in 1984.From a small teacher-training institution in the 1920’s, Delta State has grown into a multi-purpose university that focuses strongly on quality classroom instruction. The growth and success of the University is a tribute to the dedication of the faculty and staff, the hard work of the students, and the strong support of the Delta community and state legislature.

10/30/2026

Please join our department at Delta State University in congratulating Dr. Demarion Jenkins on successfully defending his dissertation, “A Comparative Analysis of Dual-Enrollment and Traditional College Students in Gateway Courses: Associations With Course Grades, Remediation Status, and Course Completion in English Composition I and College Algebra.”

This milestone in his Doctor of Education journey reflects his hard work, perseverance, and dedication to his academic goals. We are proud of his commitment to completing this important research and pleased to celebrate this achievement with him.

His dissertation committee included:
Dr. Tim Watkins, Chair
Dr. Lee Dean, Methodologist
Dr. Barbie Boschert, Reader
We thank them for their guidance and support throughout his dissertation journey.

Congratulations, Demarion! Your Delta State family celebrates your achievement and wishes you continued success. 💚🤍💚

10/30/2026

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Allison Folk on the successful defense of her dissertation, A Phenomenological Study of Student and Staff Experiences in the Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training Program at a Community College.

Special thanks to her dissertation committee for their guidance and support:
• Dr. David Herndon – Dissertation Chair
• Dr. Daphne Smith – Methodologist
• Dr. Clay Norton – Reader

This significant milestone reflects Dr. Folk’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to scholarly research. We celebrate her accomplishment and wish her continued success in her professional and scholarly endeavors!

09/09/2026

Congratulations to Anasha Caffey on successfully defending her dissertation today! 👏

Her dissertation is titled A Phenomenological Study of First-Year Teachers’ Perceptions of Their Pedagogical Preparedness During Their Transition into Classroom Practice.

We also recognize her dissertation committee:
Dr. Justin Krueger, Chair
Dr. Donna Ossorio, Methodologist
Dr. Merideth H. Van Namen, Reader

Congratulations, Dr. Caffey, on this outstanding achievement! We are extremely proud of your commitment, dedication, and hard work. 💚🤍💚

09/09/2026

🎓 Alumni Testimonial 💚

Dr. Amy Faulkner Land
Director of Engagement and Development, Winona Christian School

Delta State University Degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Education, 2008
Education Specialist in Administration and Supervision, 2020
Doctor of Education in Higher Education, 2024

I first chose Delta State University for my undergraduate degree because of its reputation for a high-quality teacher preparation program. Years later, when I decided to pursue both my Education Specialist and Doctor of Education degrees, choosing Delta State again felt like coming home.

One of the things I value most about my Delta State experience is the relationships I formed with my professors and others within the College of Education. Regardless of the degree I was pursuing, I was never “just a number.” My professors invested in me as a student and as an educator, and their example shaped the way I strive to invest in my own students and school community.

Delta State gave me an incredible foundation as an undergraduate and instilled in me a desire to never stop learning and growing as an educator. My graduate degrees challenged me to grow as a leader and opened doors that have allowed me to advance professionally while continuing to serve students and families. Today, I have the opportunity to use those experiences as Director of Engagement and Development at Winona Christian School—the same school my children attend—which is an incredible blessing.

I am deeply grateful for Delta State and the role it has played throughout my educational and professional journey. 💚 📚

📌 Interested in advancing your own career through one of Delta State’s graduate programs in education?

👉 Learn more and request information here: https://forms.office.com/r/8tDsdrKzp1?origin=lprLink

09/02/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Jon Westfall on his promotion to Full Professor!

Tonight, the School of Leadership, Research, and Psychology had the pleasure of celebrating this well-earned milestone with good food, great company, plenty of laughter, and some memorable storytelling. Reaching the rank of Full Professor represents years of dedication to teaching, scholarship, service, and the university community. We are proud to celebrate Dr. Westfall and this significant achievement!

Congratulations, Dr. Westfall! We’re grateful you’re part of the Leadership, Research, and Psychology family.

LRP: Helping Individuals Learn, Grow, and Achieve.
The Power of One. The Success of Many.

06/17/2026

At Delta State University, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Daphne D. Smith as Interim Chair of the School of Leadership, Research, and Psychology, effective August 1, 2026.

Dr. Smith brings more than 24 years of experience in education and a distinguished record of leadership and service in both K–12 and higher education. As a faculty member in Educational Administration and Supervision, she has contributed to curriculum and instructional development, educator and leadership preparation, program improvement, assessment design, research, and professional service.

Dr. Smith is currently working with university leadership and the school’s outgoing chair, Dr. Corlis Snow, to ensure a smooth transition.

Dr. Smith looks forward to working alongside faculty, staff, students, and community partners to support the school’s continued growth and success.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Smith on this appointment and wishing her continued success in this new role.

06/04/2026

Day Two at the SRESA Making Connections Conference has been another great day of meeting educators, sharing opportunities, and building meaningful connections. We are grateful for everyone who has stopped by to learn more about Delta State University and our education programs.

If you’re attending the conference, come visit us at Booth 309. We’d love to welcome you to the Delta State family!

06/04/2026

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Amber Melton 💚🍎

We are proud to spotlight Amber Melton, a Delta State University graduate alumna and dedicated 4th and 5th Grade ELA teacher. Amber completed the Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction program through Delta State University.

Amber chose Delta State University because she wanted to grow as an educator, strengthen her leadership skills, and continue making a meaningful impact while teaching full-time.

Amber shared that Delta State helped her become a stronger, more reflective educator. Through her graduate experience, she gained a deeper understanding of instruction, leadership, and how to better meet the needs of all students, especially underserved students.

One of the most meaningful parts of Amber’s journey was being able to apply what she was learning directly to her own classroom. She saw growth not only in herself as an educator, but also in her students as she used new strategies and knowledge from the program.

Amber’s story is a wonderful reminder that graduate school requires perseverance, discipline, and faith. Her advice to future graduate students is to believe in yourself, trust God, trust the process, and keep pushing even on the hard days because it will all be worth it in the end.

Congratulations, Amber! Thank you for representing Delta State University so well and for your dedication to teaching, learning, and helping students succeed. 💚📚

📌 Interested in advancing your own career through one of Delta State’s graduate programs in education?

👉 Learn more and request information here: https://forms.office.com/r/8tDsdrKzp1?origin=lprLink

06/04/2026

Day one at the SRESA Making Connections Conference in Biloxi was a tremendous success! We enjoyed connecting with educators and sharing the many opportunities available through Delta State University.

If you’re attending the conference on Day 2, stop by Booth 309 and say hello. We’d love to visit with you and show you how DSU can help you achieve your educational and professional goals.

05/26/2026

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Frank Torres 💚🍎

We are proud to spotlight Frank Torres, a Delta State University graduate alumnus and dedicated teacher. Frank completed the Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction program through Delta State University and has continued his academic journey by pursuing the Doctor of Education in Professional Studies.

Frank chose Delta State because of its strong reputation for supporting educators and developing effective leaders. He was drawn to the university’s commitment to academic excellence, practical learning experiences, and a supportive community that values personal and professional growth.

Through his graduate program, Frank strengthened his leadership skills, expanded his understanding of effective educational practices, and increased his confidence as an educator. He shared that the coursework challenged him to think critically, reflect on his leadership style, and apply research-based strategies in real-world settings.

Frank also described the meaningful impact of learning from faculty who modeled collaboration, professionalism, and servant leadership. His experience at Delta State was so meaningful that, after completing his Specialist degree, he chose to re-enroll and continue his graduate studies at the doctoral level.

Congratulations, Frank! Thank you for representing Delta State University so well and for your dedication to education, leadership, and lifelong learning. 💚📚

📌 Interested in advancing your own career through one of Delta State’s graduate programs in education?

👉 Learn more and request information here: https://forms.office.com/r/8tDsdrKzp1?origin=lprLink

Address

Ewing Hall, Highway 8 West
Cleveland, MS
38733

Telephone

+16628464370

Website

http://www.deltastate.edu/college-of-education/teacher-education-leadership-and-research/

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