Delta State University Teacher Education, Leadership & Research

Delta State University Teacher Education, Leadership & Research Teacher Education, Leadership & Research
College of Education and Human Sciences

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 i

n 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.

At Delta State University, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Daphne D. Smith as Interim Chair of the Sch...
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.

Day Two at the SRESA Making Connections Conference has been another great day of meeting educators, sharing opportunitie...
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!

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Amber Melton 💚🍎We are proud to spotlight Amber Melton, a Delta State University graduate alumna and ...
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

Day one at the SRESA Making Connections Conference in Biloxi was a tremendous success! We enjoyed connecting with educat...
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.

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Frank Torres 💚🍎We are proud to spotlight Frank Torres, a Delta State University graduate alumnus and...
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

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Darnell Fair Brown 💚🍎We are proud to spotlight Darnell Fair Brown, a Delta State University graduate...
05/26/2026

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Darnell Fair Brown 💚🍎

We are proud to spotlight Darnell Fair Brown, a Delta State University graduate alumna and dedicated 6th Grade Math Teacher. Darnell completed the Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction through Delta State University.

Darnell chose Delta State because of its strong reputation for preparing educational leaders and supporting working professionals. After hearing positive experiences from colleagues who had completed Delta State graduate programs, she was inspired to continue her own graduate studies at DSU.

She shared that the Curriculum and Instruction specialist program challenged her to think more deeply about teaching, leadership, and student achievement while balancing work, graduate school, and home responsibilities. Through the program, she strengthened her understanding of research-based instructional strategies, data-driven decision-making, differentiation, and effective support for diverse learners.

Darnell’s graduate experience helped her become a stronger instructional leader and advocate for student success. She continues to apply what she learned in her classroom by using data more intentionally, creating engaging instructional practices, and reflecting on how to meet the individual needs of her students.

Her advice to future graduate students is to stay organized, remain open to learning, and fully engage in the experience. She reminds others that graduate school can be challenging, but the professional and personal growth is worth it.

Congratulations, Darnell! Thank you for representing Delta State University so well and for your continued dedication to teaching, learning, and student success. 💚📚

📌 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

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Monique Cocroft-White 💚🍎We are proud to spotlight Monique Cocroft-White, a Delta State University gr...
05/19/2026

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Monique Cocroft-White 💚🍎

We are proud to spotlight Monique Cocroft-White, a Delta State University graduate alumna and dedicated teacher. Monique completed the Master of Education in Elementary Education and the Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction through Delta State University.

Monique chose Delta State because of its strong reputation for preparing educators to become effective leaders in the field of education. As a dedicated educator, she wanted a program that would challenge her academically while also supporting her professional growth.

She shared that Delta State’s focus on leadership, curriculum, and instructional excellence made it the perfect fit for her goals and her passion for helping students succeed.

Monique’s commitment to continued growth reflects the heart of Delta State’s graduate programs: preparing educators who are ready to lead, serve, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.

Congratulations, Monique! Thank you for representing Delta State University so well and for your dedication to teaching, learning, and student success. 💚📚

📌 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

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Tammy McCain-Davis 💚🍎We are proud to spotlight Tammy McCain-Davis, a Delta State University graduate...
05/15/2026

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Tammy McCain-Davis 💚🍎

We are proud to spotlight Tammy McCain-Davis, a Delta State University graduate alumna and dedicated 6th grade teacher. Tammy completed the Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction through Delta State University.

Tammy chose Delta State because of its strong reputation for preparing educators and its commitment to student success. She was inspired by the supportive learning environment, experienced faculty, and the opportunity to grow professionally while deepening her knowledge and skills in education.

Through her graduate program, Tammy shared that she grew both professionally and personally. The program strengthened her understanding of curriculum design, classroom management, and student engagement strategies that she can apply directly in educational settings. It also helped her become more confident in making instructional decisions and collaborating with other educators.

One meaningful experience that stood out to Tammy was seeing how intentional lesson planning and structured play-based learning directly impacted student engagement and behavior. That experience reinforced her belief in creating learning environments where children feel supported, encouraged, and excited to learn.

Her Delta State degree has prepared her for her current role and future goals by giving her a strong foundation in child development and effective teaching practices. She shared that the program strengthened her ability to support diverse learners and create developmentally appropriate learning environments that promote academic, social, and emotional growth.

Her advice to future graduate students is to fully commit to the experience, stay organized, participate in discussions, build relationships with professors and classmates, and take advantage of field experiences.

Tammy reminds future students that the program may challenge them, but it will also strengthen their skills, expand their knowledge, and prepare them to become more confident and effective professionals.

Congratulations, Tammy! Thank you for representing Delta State University so well and for your continued commitment to supporting the growth and development of children. 💚📚

📌 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

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Eskkellikka Gibson 🍎💚We are excited to spotlight Eskkellikka Gibson, a proud Delta State University ...
05/14/2026

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Eskkellikka Gibson 🍎💚

We are excited to spotlight Eskkellikka Gibson, a proud Delta State University graduate alumna and dedicated teacher. Eskkellikka completed the Master of Education in Elementary Education and the Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction through Delta State University.

Eskkellikka chose Delta State because the program allowed her to continue growing professionally while balancing a full-time career and family responsibilities. The fully online and fast-tracked format gave her the flexibility to pursue her goals while continuing to serve students and families.

Her graduate experience helped her grow both professionally and personally by adding new tools to her educational toolbox, strengthening her confidence as a leader, and helping her develop new strategies and instructional leadership skills.

One memorable part of her Delta State journey was collaborating with educators from different backgrounds and experiences. She shared that learning from others reminded her of the value of lifelong learning and collaboration in education. She was also able to immediately apply what she learned in her graduate courses to her daily work with students and colleagues.

Eskkellikka’s degree has prepared her for greater leadership opportunities in education. She has worked alongside her leadership team, applied for opportunities within Curriculum and Instruction, and is now continuing her journey at Delta State with plans to become a principal within the next two years.

Her advice to future graduate students is simple and encouraging:

“Go for it. Delta State provides a supportive learning environment that allows working professionals to successfully balance school, work, and family responsibilities.”

She also shared this meaningful reminder:

“Growth begins when you step outside of your comfort zone.”

Congratulations, Eskkellikka! Thank you for representing Delta State University so well and for the meaningful work you continue to do for students, families, and the field of education. 💚📚

📌 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

Dr. Corlis Snow, loved by so many whose lives she has touched through her years of service at Delta State University, wa...
05/08/2026

Dr. Corlis Snow, loved by so many whose lives she has touched through her years of service at Delta State University, was honored tonight by her Leadership, Research, and Psychology family. She has been an exceptional Chair of the School of Leadership, Research, and Psychology, leaving a deep and unforgettable imprint on the faculty, students, and colleagues who have had the privilege of working alongside her.
The School of Leadership, Research, and Psychology wishes Dr. Snow many happy days of fishing, sleeping in, and enjoying precious time with family and friends. While we will deeply miss her presence, leadership, wisdom, and friendship, we could not be happier for her as she begins this exciting new chapter of life. They say retired life is the best life, and Corlis, we hope your very best years are still ahead.
We love you.
Love,
Your LRP Family

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