Delta Currents

22 Pages·2000·1.9 MB·English

by  Don Skelton, Director of Alumni and Foundation

1
I
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e Magazine of Delta St mi
Volume 6; Number 2 Spring 2000
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Rick Post
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elta State
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Presidents Inauguration
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Contents
JDeltaCurrents
SPRING 2000 VOL.6. NO. 2 FEATURES
President
Dr.DavidL.Potter
10 Mascot History
VicePresidentforUniversityAdvancement
Dr.LeroyMorganti 15 Cover Story
©Copyright, 2000 Delta State University. The RickPost,ExecutiveVicePresident
Delta CurrentsispublishedtwiceayearbytheOfficeof & ChiefFinancialOfficer,MediaOneGroup
Alumni/FoundationwithspecialassistancefromtheOffice
of Public Information, P.O. Box 3104, Cleveland, MS
[email protected]
DEPARTMENTS Page 15
DESIGN&LAYOUTBY:
CoopwoodCommunications,Cleveland,Mississippi
[phone]
4 President's Message
Alumni/FoundationStaff 5 Campus News
ExecutiveDirector Dr.DonA.Skelton
AssistantDirector FeliciaApplegate 7 Alumni News
AlumniCoordinator DebbieC.Davis
DevelopmentCoordinator KeithFulcher
11 Philanthropy
AlumniSecretary MissyPearce Page 11
FoundationSecretary GracieHarkins
DevelopmentSecretary SusanSledge 17 Sports Update
Bookkeeper WendyMcClain
19 With the Classes
PublicInformationStaff 21 Alumni Updates
Director JodyCorrero
Photographer BillMoses 22 In Memorium
SportsDirector FredSington
Secretary GloriaEnriquez 22 President's Inauguration
Page 18
BoardofDirectors ON THE COVER
DeltaStateUniversityAlumniAssociation
Dr.JimAveiy,president;CharlesHolmes,president-elect; In this issue of Delta Currents, we feature MediaOne Group communications
Arthur Johnston, vice president; Beth Embry, secretary;
Billy Morehead,treasurer; Mickey Robinson,past-presi- executive and alumnus, Rick Post. Post, who attended Delta State University
dent;Andy Pearson Dist. I rep.; CraigVerhage, Dist. II from 1978-1981, credits the university for a lotofhis success -both business and
rreepp..;;PDaatyeChaDmebalreisnsg,DDiisstt..IVllrreepp..;;CCahrroilseKPellelaesya,ntDsi,stOuItV- personal. Read his story on page 15.
of-State rep.; Dr. Clayton Hollier; Windall Lancaster;
BumsStrider;JohnFletcher;EddieGong;MarkWilliams;
Chip Cooper; Tammie Beamon; Valerie Ouzts; Martha
Miller; Marshall Hughes; Lisa Ellis; Christen Aguzzi;
JohnAguzzi;NedMitchell.
BoardofDirectors
DeltaStateUniversityFoundation,Inc.
Ned Mitchell,president; PeterJernberg,vice president; Larry
Lewis,secretary/treasurer;BillyNowell,past-president;Dr.Jim
Avery; Louis Baioni; Elena Barham; Curtis Buchanan; Jeff
Capwell;TerrellCobb;J.StacyDavidson;HarryFlowers;Gary
Gainspoletti;ButchScipper;PaulWatson;PaulArtman;Reggie
Barnes; Dr.TravisCasanova; PaulJanoush; EdKossman;Jon
Levingston;JimNewquist;RussellStewart;JimUnderwood;Dr.
Bennie Wright; Bonnie Blackmon; Willis Frazer; Caroline
Gaines; Benoit Holloway; Roger Malkin; Carolyn Manning;
BennyPittman;Dr.TravisRichardson;NanSanders;RobertE.
Smith;HunterCade,investmentadvisor;JohnQuon,facultyrep.
ArchieManning meetswith Dr.Potter
DeltaStateUniversitydoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisof Dr. David Potter (right) and "Coach" Don A. Skelton (center) enjoy
race,religion,sex,age,disability,orveteranstatus. visiting with Drew native and former New Orleans Saints quarterback,
Archie Manning (left) at a Mississippi Sports Hall ofFame reception.
/DeltaCurrents
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Message
President's AND CAMPUS NEWS
AWord From Our President DSU Students Begin
elta State is near completion of a strategic planning FedEx Internships
D:
process that will guide our future development. The
process had widespread participation within the uni- Valerie Bullock, a
junior aviation major
versity and beyond.The emerging plan builds on our strong
from Southaven, and
foundation from the past to confront the challenges of a Jennifer Townsend, a
future that portends great change. Our goal is to continue junior finance major
to draw upon the qualities that distinguish a Delta State from Cleveland, began
education and our university identity while adapting to a six-month internship
new circumstances, preserving our integrity while with Federal Express
extending our reach and enhancing our reputation. in January. The two
Dr.DavidPotter,President Foremost among our distinctive qualities is recogni- DSU students will
DeltaStateUniversity tion as an institution ofacademic excellence, based on a intern in Memphis with assignments to project
fundamental commitment to teaching and learning. These are exciting times to be teams providing a broad range ofadvisory ser-
engaged in learning. We are beginning to reap the benefits offresh insights from many vicestocorporateand operationsmanagement.
disciplines into the human capacity for learning. We will incorporate these new under-
standings into our teaching to enrich and expand our students' learning. In addition, Gaston Elected to
many changes influencing our lives today come from innovations in information and
Accrediting Association
communication technologies which, ifused wisely, can enliven and deepen the learning
experience. We will explore creative ways to use these tools to improve the quality of
Dr. E. E. "Butch" Caston,
instruction. dean of the DSU College of
Anticipating these changes in pedagogy, we will be aided by another distinguishing Education,has been elected to
feature ofDelta State - the commitment ofour faculty and staffto provide students with the policy-making leadership
afriendly,open andcaringenvironment in which to learn.We know through recent stud- of the Commission on
Elementary and Middle
ies that the learning climate significantly affects the prospects for learning, and that an
Schoolsoftheregionalaccred-
environment combining positive and holistic support while offering real challenges
iting association,the Southern
works best. That is a hallmark ofDelta State campus life. Association of Colleges and Dr. Caston
We also know that learning takes root when students are able to test and apply new- Schools.
found knowledge in real-world settings.The interplay between practice and reflection is With a membership in excess of 12.000
best achieved through experiential learning beyond the walls of the campus. We will accredited members,theSouthernAssociationisa
non-governmental, voluntary agency, one of six
expand these opportunities for students, drawing on another fundamental characteristic
regional accreditingagencies intheUnitedStates.
ofDelta State - our partnerships with the larger community. We have long enjoyed the
swueppaorretbeainndgisnovuoglhvtemaeftnetroafndouwrelfrcioemndesdabnydoatlheurmnciomimnutnhietiCleesvienlatnhedDaerletaa..IAnscreaarseignigolny-, DSU Adds Fall Break
al university,wehave a special responsibilitytohelp Deltacitizens pursue economic and
DeltaStateUniversityofficialshaveannounced
communitydevelopment. We areexcitedabout new partnerships toaccomplishthis mis- that Delta State will have its first-ever fall break.
sion even while we continue to build our Cleveland campus base. The campus will close on Thursday and Friday,
These are some of the efforts now underway to secure the future of Delta State. October 12-13.during the middle ofthe fall 2000
semester.
Crucial to these initiatives is the support of the entire university family, especially our "Ithinkitwillbegoodforstudents,facultyand
alumni and friends. Tangible evidence oftheir loyalty is found in the recently complet- staff," said Dr. Wayne Blansett. vice president of
ed capital campaign, which exceeded its goals by more than 200 percent. Public univer- wSitundde,ntanAfdfaitrhse.n "tIhte'sy'aregoroedadtyimteotofigneitshauspecotnhde
sities can achieve excellence only through the generosity ofprivate donors whose con- remainderofthesemester."
tributions complement and augment scarce public resources. We are grateful for the Responding to a request by the Delta State
remarkable support provided by our family and friends. It represents an investment in BStouadredntaGpopvroevrendmetnhteAcsosnocceiapttiolna,stthyeeaSrtataendColmlaedgee
what Delta State has meant and can mean in people's lives by drawing on our distin- more vacationdays available so individual univer-
guished past to create an even brighterfuture.We pledge to be effective stewards ofthat sitiescouldimplementthebreak.
investment,andtofulfill the rich promise ofthis university inpartnership with all ofyou lead"eWrsehipwaanntdedwetofebeel trheespbornesaikvecatno bteheacsctuodmeon-t
in the years ahead. dated without a reduction in the number ofclass
hours,"saidDSU PresidentDr.DavidPotter.
U. Supportive of the fall break, SGA President
Justin"Fish"Robinsonsaid"thebreakwillbenefit
DSU's out-of-state students who don't have an
Dr. David Potter opportunity to go home often and also those first-
DSUPresident semester freshmen who are struggling with the
issueofbeinghomesick."
A
Campus News
Mrs. O.D." Happy atWork Thornell named
fromanarticlebyDeniseJones/TheDeltaStatement Associate Vice President
OdealierJ. Morgan,or"Mrs. O. D." as most call her,has been working at the Delta State laun-
dry since 1958. She has seen many changesduringher41 years atthe university,especially in the DSU President Dr. David Potterannounced
areaofstudentfashion. that Dr. John Thornell has been named
Now73 yearsofage,Morganisatworkeachmorningat6a.m.andleaves at2:30p.m.justlike Associate Vice President for Academic
the rest ofthe employees. Although she has crippling arthritis in her legs, she keeps on working. Affairs. Thornell previ-
Sheretiredonce forashortwhile but missedher ously served the univer-
work so much that she soon returned. She has sity as dean ofGraduate
said thatworking also helps herarthritis. Studies and Continuing
"She loves her job," said Nealy Robinson, Education.
director of the laundry. "She would work "This newly created
through her breaks if we would let her." Not position will give leader-
arguing the point,Morgan says,"ifthere iswork ship to existing and new
at theendoftheday,wejust stay and finish." campus-wide academic
In talking with fellow workers, it is obvious initiatives as well as pro-
that Morgan is respected by all. Annie vide support to the vice Dr.John Thornell
Daughtery has worked alongside her for nine president of Academic
years. "Mrs. Odealier is fun to work with. We "Mrs.O.D." stillhardatwork Affairs," said Dr. Frank McArthur, vice presi-
laugh and have a good time," said Daughtery. dent forAcademicAffairs.
Anotherco-workeris Mary ZellWilliams whofirstcame to the laundry 16 years ago. Thornell,whohas been at Delta State since
"Mrs. O.D. takescareofeveryone,she's like ourmom,"Williams said. 1975, has served as a faculty member in the
Mae Francis Jordan has been at the laundry for 13 years. "I admire her (Morgan) because she College of Education and the History depart-
couldbe athome taking iteasy,"Jordan said. "She is one in amillion." ment. Heservedfortenyearsasthedirectorof
Noticing how much hermotherenjoyedherjob,Morgan's daughter,Lucille,decide toapply for Institutional Research before being named
ajob at the laundry also. She hasbeenworking with hermotherforalmost ten years. dean ofGraduate Studies in 1989.
Morgan's reaction is simply that she enjoys herjob atthe laundry and looks forward tocoming
to workeach day. "Delta State has been very good to me," she said. "I appreciate every minute I
have been here." National Organization
A visitto the DSU laundry reveals that its workers are like family. Everyone works as ateam
and looks outforeach otherand"Mrs.O.D. is the knotthat ties the family together." Honors Robinson
"You have to work for what you get," said Morgan, who says that God is her top priority. She
lives each day to the fullest and before she leaves work every day, she always says, "I hope to see Dr. Jerry Robinson Jr., Distinguised
you inthe morning." Professor of Rural Sociology and Professor of
Morgansaysshehopestoworkatthe laundry formany moreyears.Mrs.O.D.,wehopesotoo! Social Science at Delta State, has received the
Rural Sociological
DSU Plans Superintendents Academy Society's highest honor,
the Distinguished Rural
SociologistAward.
In response to a growing concern among Mississippi educators regarding a shrinking pool of
The award was pre-
potential school superintendents.DeltaStateUniversityofficialsareplanningtheestablishmentof
sented to Robinson at the
a superintendents' academy in the College ofEducation through a partnership with The National
annual meeting of the
Faculty.
DSU PresidentDr.DavidPottersaidtheuniversity andThe National Faculty have"significant RuralSociologicalSociety
(RSS) in Chicago in
expertise, presence and a history ofsuccess in the fields ofprofessional development and policy
recognition of his contri-
formulation." Dr.JerryRobinson,Jr.
The idea for the academy was originated by Dr. Everett E. Caston, dean of the College of butions to rural life in
Education. He andcolleague Dr.Virgil Strickland,associate professorofcurriculumand instruc- Mississippi. Illinois, the
nation,and internationally.
tion, sought the help ofThe National Faculty President Dr. Rob Baird to bring the academy to
In accepting the award. Robinson told the
fruition.
"Authorities agree that many administrators lackafull understanding ofthe complexityofthe athuodsieenwceh:o"wTohriskeadwasrodhamrudstanbdepsrhoavrieddedwistthroanlgl
jsoabidaCnadstdoon.not"Spooswseesdsetvhiesesdkitlhles rSeuqpueirriendtetnodeunntdse'rtAackaedtehmeyretsopocnosuinbtileirtitehseotrfednidstarnicdttloeaddeevreslhoipp,"a supportformesinceIenteredgraduateschoolin
1962."
pool ofhighly-qualified persons to lead school districts into the next millennium."
Plans call fortheestablishment ofa leadershipprogramthis summerto prepare potential can-
didates with the requisite understanding and skills inherent in effective leadership. DATES TO REMEMBER!
"Candidates will receive intellectual support and practical assistance to deal with the com-
plexities ofthejob," Caston said. "A second phase ofthe academy will be developed to assist DSU "Pig Pickin" - September23, 2000
practicing superintendents increase their effectiveness by conducting professional development DSU Homecoming - October21,2000
designed forcontinuous improvement."
JDeltaCurrents 5
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Campus News
DSU Campus Getting a New Look Hawks named King
TheDeltaStatecampuscontinuestotakeonanewlook Award Winner
as current construction projects move toward completion
and newprojects begin. David Frankin Hawks, a senior accounting
Dr. Robert Nettles,Vice President forBusinessAffairs, majoratDeltaState,wasnamedtheHampKing
saidcampus construction ofthe $6.4 millionAquatics and Award winner for 1999 by the Mississippi
FitnessCenterandthe $5.4 million men's residencehall is Society of Certified
"coming very well." He alsopointedtotheprogressbeing Accountants. Named for
made in the construction ofthe $13.2 million the late state auditor, the
Greenville Higher Education Center and the awardgoestothe student
completionandoccupancyoftheW.B.Roberts who has the highest
Construction
Libraryexpansion. grades among the soci-
The Aquatics and Fitness Center, which ofthenewmen's ety's 10scholarshiprecip-
shouldbe completed by OctoberorNovember dormandthe ients representing the
aquaticand
of 2000, includes an Olympic-Size-Plus pool state colleges and univer-
with diving wells, dressing rooms, a training fitnesscenter sities with an accounting
room,offices andclassrooms,as well as a600 program.
person spectatorarea. Hawkshasmaintained DavidFranklinHawks
Nettles also announced that construction has begun on the Indoor Baseball Facility, which is a a 4.0 grade point average
privatesupportproject. The 10,000squarefootfacilityisbeingconstructedwestoftheFerrissField inaccountinganda4.0overallgradepointaver-
baseballsite. age. He is amemberofOmicron DeltaKappa,
"The Mississippi Legislature has been very generous to the university in funding these projects Phi Delta Kappa. Delta Mu Delta, the DSU
overthepastseveralyears," saidDSUPresidentDr.DavidPotter. "The libraryaddition significant- Accounting Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma and
ly enhances our students' resources and research capabilities, provides much-needed additional OrderofOmega. He has servedaspresidentof
space and includesastate-of-the-artcomputercenter." the Student Accountants and Business
Nettles said future capital construction projects include funding for construction on a new Administration Club, two-term treasurer of
Administration/Classroom building, as well as funds forother renovation projects. It is noted that Kappa Sigma fraternity. SGA senator, and stu-
projects in progress provide more than $30 million economic impact to the Cleveland and Bolivar dentorientation leader.
County area. Active in religious organizations and intra-
mural sports.HawksisamemberoftheStudent
AlumniAssociation andtheDSUband.
We Need Your Help! AgraduateofOxfordHighSchool,Davidis
the sonofGreg andMelissaHawksofOxford.
w
Team Wins
ewanttowriteabookandwewantyoutobeapartofit. Wewouldliketogetyour Flight
amusinganecdote,orstoryaboutDeltaStateUniversityandwearegoingtocompile
themintoabookthatwecangivetoprospective students. Regional; National Next
Tellus abouthowateacherwas an influenceonyourlife. Tellus aboutfellow students
orstaffmembers that made your stay at DSU memorable. Tell us the good the bad and the Already knowingthatitwill serve ashostto
uglyaboutthecoachesandsportsatDSU. TellushowyourdegreefromDSUhashelpedyou the 2000 National Intercollegiate Flying
inyourlife. Association Safety and Flight Evaluation
We think these stories can be uplifting to those who are thinking about attending Delta Conference (SAFECON), Delta State
StateUniversity. Wewillhavetwocategories; amusingstoriesofteachers,stafforfellowstu- University's Precision Flight Team won the
dents,andinspirational storiesofhowDSUhaschangedyourlife. Any storyinanycategory recent Region IV competition held at the
wouldbe appreciated. Wewilleditthemandpublishthem in abooktobecalled"Memories Cleveland, MS MunicipalAirport. DSU's aero-
ofDeltaStateUniversity." nauts piled up 206 points to easily outdistance
runner-up Louisiana Tech's 119 points as they
wonboththeflightandoverall competition.
Next up forthe Statesmen FlightTeam will
Just write it down,type itorcall Dr.MichaelThompson,Professor ofMarketing, at be the national championships tobe held atthe
[phone] and leave yourstory. You may alsomail yourstorytoDSU,P.O.Box 3122, Grenada,MS MunicipalAirportMay 16-20.
Cleveland,MS 38733. Overthe past75 years Delta State has touched so many peoplein so Jon Bailey of Winona won three events,
many ways andweneedtorecordthosemomentsforhistory. including the Top Pilot, finished second in one
eventandwasinthetopteninfourotherevents.
Pleaseincludethefollowingwithyourstoryoranecdote:
His total of56 points werejust ahead ofteam-
Name:_
mate ScottAlexanderofBlacksburg,Va.
Address: Phone: Gary Hemphill, professor of Commercial
DegreeReceived: YearAttendedDSU: Aviation and coach of the team, said the
"regional championships are preliminaries to
*Byrespondingyouaregrantinguspermissiontoeditandpublishyourstory. the national championships ofcollegiateflying.
Wehopethatyou seetheimportanceofthisproject. The75thanniversaryofDeltaState This success is theresult ofmonths ofprepara-
Universityisuponusand we needtomakethishappennow. Thanks. tionbythetopflightteams in theregion."
VDgjfajCurrents
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Alumni News
Mississippi Business Publications Recognize Former First Lady
Several DSU Alumni Recognized
Janice Collins Wyatt has been named the
TRehceenDtellyt,aseBvuesrialneosfsDeJlotuarnStaalte'isncalluudmendiMhaarvgearbeetenArnencoBginsihzoepd,asKelyeadBerristt,inDtehneiirseproCfaemsesiroonns,. 1999-2000 recipient ofthe President's Award
fordevotion andcontributionstoand supportof
Darlene Carey, Debbie Christmas. Dottie Collins, Marilyn Dattle. Charlotte Edwards, Vicki
the Arts in Education
Fioranelli,BeverlyFratesi,LucyJanoush.LoisMcMurchy.BobbieG.Miller,Beverly M.Nobile,
Lisa Saxton, Raanne Tindle, and TanaVassel in its "Delta's Top 75 Women in Business" listing Program at the Bologna
PerformingArtsCenter.
published in February.
The President's
CeliTaheA.MRisysailsssiinppiitsB"uTsoipne4s0sUJnoduerrna4l0"ciltiestd,FwrhainckhBwraasdfpourbdl.isJhr.e.dKiantrJiannauaBryo.yette Myricks, and Aviwdauraldwishgoiviesndetoemanedintdhie-
most outstanding volun-
teer for the Performing
ProfessoraWinnerinthe Classroom andWeightroom Arts at the university. In
making the presentation,
JaniceCollinsWxatt
RichardMcCaslin,a 1982 DeltaStategraduate,isatenuredprofessoratHighPointUniversity DSUPresidentDr.David
in High Point,NorthCarolina. He hasauthoredseven non-fiction books,earnedhis Ph.D. inhisto- Pottersaid,"Janicehasworkeddiligentlyinpur-
ry,and won a national championship in weightlifting. McCaslin admits to two passionate hobbies suit of excellence for the Arts in Education
- thatofbeing aCivil Warbuffand"pumping iron" - heexcels at both. Program and it is most appropriate that she be
McCaslinhastaughtatHigh Pointsince 1990.Hehaswrittenonthe recognized forheroutstandingefforts."
Civil War in Texas. North Carolina and South Carolina, and has produced "From its inception.Janice has had a strong
official histories fortheUniversityofTexas,theTexasSenateand High Point interest in and has actively worked to promote
University.ACivil Warspecialist. McCaslin also teaches FrontierAmerican the Arts in Education Program as a cultural
History, North American Studies, American Military History and Modern
resource for the Delta," said Caroline Gaines,
LatinAmerican History.
one of the initial recipients of the President's
McCaslin continues to write extensively, publishing articles and Award and longtime friend ofMrs.Wyatt.
bliosotkedrienvCieownsteimnpporroafreyssAiountahlorjsouarnnadlsWhaon'dscWomhpoilaintiAomnesr.iFcoar,hainsdwwoarskehleecti-s "Her commitment to education fueled her
RichardMcCaslin ed to memWbheirlsehhiephianstahlewHaiysstowroicrakledSoocuite,tyMcoCfaNsolritnhbCeagraonliwneai.ghtliftingseri- iinnstteirteustte.inSphuersrueicnoggnaizpeedrwmhaantenatmsaujmomrecrontarrit-s
ously inAugust of 1996. "People do seem to be fascinated by the sight ofa bution a quality arts education program would
history professor lifting weights, but it relieves stress and hopefully will help me to live longer." make to the university and the entire Delta."
said McCaslin."Thecontestjustseemedtobe agood way to keep me going to the gym." Gaines said. "The leadership ofthe center and
Inwinningthe 1999 PowersportsNationalChampionshipinthesubmastersclass(ages30-39). its volunteers have all responded positively to
McCaslin curled 165 lbs.,benchpressed 353 lbs.,anddeadlifted 507 lbs. Janice'senthusiasmanddedication. Herservice
From lifting,hesaid he learnedthe valueofperseverence."Doinghardworkanddoing italit- and influencecannot be measured.
tle biteach day gets you there. Nevergive up." Looking ahead, he is now aiming at new personal In recognition of Mrs. Wyatt's efforts, the
marksof 185 inthecurl,400 in the bench press anddeadlifting over600 lbs. 1999 Mississippi Legislature established, fund-
While he maintains a disciplined schedule ofworking out two hours aday,fourdays a week, ed and named the program. The Janice Wyatt
hedevoteshis weekendstohisfamily.The remainderofhis free time is spent in researchandwrit- SummerArts Institute.
ing about historical topics.
"The things that make me be able to write a book a year are the things I learned in sports."
McCaslinsaid."Perseverence.hardwork,disciplineandaworkethicofdoingalittlebiteachday." Check Us Out!
McCaslin at a Glance Delta Statehasa WebPage! Lookforusat:
http://www.deltast.edu
• Home: High Point,N.C.; originally from Ocean +- Thenexttimeyoutraveltheinformation
Springs,Mississippi superhighway,stopatDeltaState'swebsite. Oursite
willprovideyouwithinformationontheuniversity,
• Education: Ph.D. in history from University ofTexas;
M.A. inhistory/political science fromDeltaState alumniactivities,sportsevents,theBolognaPerforming
ArtsCenter,DSU'sonlineadmissionsapplication,class
University
schedules,tuition&fees,faculty,staffandstudent
• Family: Wife,Jana; daughter,Christy; grandson,Kaleb directories,plusmuchmore.
• LiftingAwards: North Carolina state records in the curl \ GetLinkedWithDeltaState!
benchpress,anddeadliftforNaturalAthletes Strength y \^J
Association; First Place in Powersports National jw
Championships sunmasterclass,250.2 lb. division. w L
1
/DeltaCurrents
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Alumni News
Moreheads put Careers on Hold DSU Alumnus Heads the
From October 1998 to October 1999 Audrey and Billy Morehead literally put their careers Enterprise Corporation
here in the United States onhold. Theyboth took leaves ofabsence from theiremployers in the
Jackson.MSareaandaccepteda 12-monthassignmenttoworkinDakar, of the Delta's office in
Senegal (WestAfrica)as International ServiceCorps volunteerswiththe
International Board (IB) in Richmond,Virginia. Clarksdale
Billy's primary responsibility was to coordinate financial matters for
some 40 individuals working with the IB in three countries of West
Africa while his wife, Audrey, had the responsibility for performing The Enterprise Corporation of the Delta
research on a specific people group. (ECD) has already served businesses in the
Tohelpfulfilltheirresponsibilitiesinworkingwithavarietyoffinan- Mississippi Delta. By opening a new regional
cial currencies and the different languages encountered, Audrey and office in Clarksdale, the
Billy studied French, the primary regional language,as well as learning nonprofit business devel-
the basic greetings fordialects offive additional people groups. opment organization fur-
Inaddition,Billyusedhisskillsasanaccountantandauditortowork thers its commitment to
with other IB clusters within Africa, traveling to The Gambia and helpingthe Deltawork.
Moreheadsstandinfrontof throughout Senegal as well as many otherAfrican nations. While most Cassandra Williams
Africanhut. of their travels were work-related, they also were able to enjoy several will staff the new office,
pleasureoutings,includingaDecemberAfrican Safari andexcursionsto located in the Stevens
Austria,southern Germany. Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Building. Williams was
While happytobebackhome inMississippi,theMoreheads formerly assistant vice
are quickto pointtotheirexperience as one that was rewarding president of Union CassandraWilliams
and rich in memories. "We will neverregret taking a year out Planters Bank. A gradu-
ofourcareers to experience this most exciting and challenging ate of Delta State University, she is currently a
assignment." said the Moreheads. "Our eyes have definitely member of the board of directors of the
been opened to the world. We really enjoyed ourwork and the Clarksdale/Coahoma Industrial Foundation and
many people we met. The Africans were friendly and enjoyed Habitat for Humanity. She knows that there is
welcoming us intotheirhomes." great potential for ECD's work and says that
The Moreheads also encourage others to consider "putting there are hundreds ofarea businesses that "just
yourcareers on hold and use yourgifts and talents to help peo- needahelpinghand."
ple in other parts of the world." They maintain that such an Since 1994,ECD has helped more than 900
experience will notonly help to serve others but will also serve firmsandentrepreneurs. Thecompanyprovides
to enrich one's life. "While our work was not always easy and debtandequity capital and helpscompanies get
someoftheconditions we hadtodeal with wereunpleasant,we MoreheadsenjoyanAfrican much needed technical assistance from accoun-
will neverregretourdecision togo toAfrica." mealinthevillage. tants,engineers andotherexperts.
ECD also partners with the region's banks
and economic developers to find ways to start,
strengthenandexpandbusinessesandcreateand
Kathleen Buckley - A Super Senior stab"ilEizCeDjohbassfobreeDneltsuacrceessisdfeunltsa.t working with
and for the Delta," says Williams, "and I'm
KathleenBinghamBuckley,anativeofWinonaanda 1954DeltaStategraduate,wasnamedthe excitedabouttheopportunitytobeapartoftak-
1999AdultFemaleTennis PlayeroftheYearby the MississippiTennisAssociation. ingthis worktothe nextlevel."
AlongtimeresidentofStarkville.Buckleybeganplayingtennisat CassandraWilliams may be reached at 621-
Winona High School where she won State Championships in 1947, 1995 and [email protected]. For more infor-
1948 and 1949. She continued her athletic career at Holmes Junior mation on ECD's programs and services, call
Collegefortwoyearsbefore attending Delta State. [phone], or visit the ECD website at
Buckley'sdevotiontotennis,hermusicprofession,andtothebet- www.ecd.org
terment of her community is well documented as she has actively
engagedinacareerofcivic,cultural andcommunityservicesextend-
ingoverahalfcentury. In additionto serving as apublic andprivate WantTo Hire The Best?
school musicteacherfor49years,she has servedonboardsofdirec-
tors for the Starkville Parks and Recreation Department, the Miss HireADeltaStateGraduate!
Hospitalityprogram,theJuniorMissprogram,theVeryFineArtspro-
gramandthe StarkvilleTennisAssociation. TheDSUCareerServices and
Currently participating with as many as sixdifferenttennis teams PlacementOfficecanhelpyoufind
from Starkville, Columbus and Jackson, Buckley continues to com- qualifiedgraduatestofill your
pete with the best at the game she loves and has played for 50-plus company's needs.
years.She was oneofateamoffourchosen torepresent Mississippi
KathleenBitcklex in the 1999 Southern SeniorCup in Columbus,Ga. and,by winning Contact:
the Super Senior State Championship, qualified to represent VickiFioranelli,DirectorofCareerServices
MississippiatLitchfield,S.C.January 19-23,2000. [phone]
Amotheroftwoandgrandmothertofour,sheandherhusband.Don,resideinStarkvillewhere P.O.Box3174•Cleveland,MS38733
shecontinuestoteach music andplay tennis. [email protected]
>DeltaCurrents
Alumni News
DSD Alumnus Dr. Raanne Tindle, has
the Distinction of Doing the First
Female Dentist in Cleveland
In 1983,RaanneTindlegraduatedfromDeltaStateUniversitywithaca- Oct.25 Members ofthe DSU science faculty met withDelta
demic honors and entered the University ofMississippi Dental School in State alumni attending theprofessional schools atthe
Jackson. Today she has herowndental clinic inCleveland. University Medical CenterinJackson.
"During my senioryear'ofhigh school,my mothertold me that itwas
time forme to make a decision about what I wanted to do with my life," Nov.2 The Leflore County Alumni Chapter held its annual
says Tindle. "I knew that I wanted to meeting at the Greenwood Country Club with Dr.
do something in the health care field, Potter serving as featured speaker and members of
and I knew that I wanted to work with Renaisanceproviding entertainment.
my hands. Dentistry just seemed the
obviouschoice." Nov.4 The DSU Travel Group enjoyed a day ofshopping at
AfterTindlemadeherdecision,she
the Mistletoe Marketplace inJackson.
spent her remaining days in high
school polishing hergrades in orderto Dec.9 TheAlumni/Foundationofficestaffhostedanafternoon
be accepted intodental school. Tindle Christmas Party for all Delta State faculty and staff
continued her rigorous study schedule
retirees.
at Delta State and was accepted into
dental school in '83. While in dental
school,she wasthefirstseniortocom- RaanneTindle
plete all requirements a halfyearearly
2000
and was alsoone ofonly two students to successfully completeevery part
of a senior comprehensive exam the first time tested. After graduation,
Tindle accepted aposition with the dental unit at Parchman Penitentiary. Jan.9 The DSUTravel group traveled to Memphis for lunch
says".At"Ithtahtotuigmhet,tahlaltIawftaenrtIeadctcoomdpolwisahsetdotphiasy.bIawcokulmdytrsychtooosltalrotamnsy,"oswhne patertfhoerPmeaancbeodoyfHRoatgetli'smeDuatxthReesOtrapurhaenutmaTnhdeaatrmea.tinee
practice."
andAdtritvheeteonCdleovfeleavnerdyindaoyrdeatrPtoarsceehmpaanti,enTtisndalteawsoeucolnddjjuombpthianttowahserwictahr Jan.25 The Baton Rouge alumni gathered at Cippriani's
restaurant with several campus representatives provid-
anotherdentist. "Iwouldseepatientsuntilabout 10:00everynightandget
upthe next morninganddoitall overagain," saysTindle. ing an update on campus activities.
Fortwo years,this wasTindle's daily (and nightly schedule) until she
hadsavedenough moneytoopenherownpractice inClevelandonemonth Feb.15 Attala/Holmes Alumni Chapter meeting was held at
afterherdaughterwasborn. Cafeon the Square in Kosciusko.
"I startedoutwith onedentalchairandone assistant/receptionist."says
Tindle. "Three months later. I added a second chair and hired another March 16 The GulfCoast Alumni Chapter meeting will be held
employee." at the Catch ofthe Day Restaurant in Ocean Springs.
Afterthe first year,Tindle'spractice began to grow,and sheexpanded, Dr. David Potterwillbethe featuredspeaker.
adding additional employees.
Recently,Tindle has purchased her own building and has six employ- March 17 The DSU Travel Group are scheduled to enjoy dinner
ees. Herpracticecontinuestogrow,andalthoughsheisnolongertheonly and a performance of Stars on Ice at the Memphis
female dentist in Cleveland,she was the first. Coliseum.
March21 Golden Triangle/Columbus AreaAlumni Chapter will
Mr. & Miss. DSU Named have adinner meeting at the Golden Horn Restaurant.
A weekendgolftripforfourwill be given away.
Paul "Bubba" Mancini
of Indianola and Lesley March28 The BolivarCountyAlumni Chapterhave scheduled a
Foster of Clarksdale were community-wide crawfish boil at the Bolivar County
recently named as Mr. and Expo Building as a part ofthe university's week-long
Miss Delta State University inaugural activities forDr.Potter.
for 1999. Foster was also
on the DSU Homecoming
For information on upcoming alumni meetings
Court for 1999. Mancini is
the vice president of the and trips,visit the Delta State web page at:
Student Government
www.deltast.edu
Association at DSU.
/DeltaCurrents
M
Mascot Mystery
THERE ROOM FOR TWO?
IS
Is the Mascot for DSU a Statesman or a Fighting OkraP
This is one ofthe most frequently asked questions ofthe The Fighting Okra
Alumni office. When asked, the answer is always the It was in the spring of 1998 that a group ofDSU
same - the "official" mascot of the university is the
baseball players decided that the Statesman mascot
Statesman. To better understand the DSU mascot situation, let's was much too docile and did nothing to strike fear
takealookatthehistoryofboththe official andunofficial mascots. intothehearts ofopponents.Thegroup,apparently
In 1975 after years of unofficial use, the Delta State student injest,begantoexploreothernamesthatmettheir
body officiallychose aStatesmanandLady Statesmanas its athlet- requirements for being "green and more fero-
cious." From this conversation came the recom-
ic mascots. The Statesman and Lady Statesman caricatures,drawn mended names ofalgae and okra. It was then that
by Ricky Nobile, were also adopted in 1975. While this seems a Robert Black said,"you know okra is green and
simple explanation,there is much more to the story. southern,andugly-maybewecouldbetheOkra."
Once suggested, the team was in agreement that
OKRA would become theirrallying cry forDelta
The Statesman
State athletics.
At the next basketball game the baseball
In the early stages (1970s) ofDr.Aubrey
Lucas'administrationSGAofficialsrequest- team began the chants of okra, O-K-R-A.
Almost immediately,fellow students and oth-
edthat attentionbegiventothe selectionofa
more definable mascot. Dr. Kent Wyatt, then ers joined in. Soon other chants such as
"We're mean, we're green, we're the okra
an assistantto President Lucas, said
team" were heard throughout Sillers
that two of the leading com-
Coliseum.
plaints with the Statesman were
Ross Reily and David Dallas,reporters with thecampus newspaper.
that it did not evoke a clear-cut The Statement, began to publicize the idea of the okra, with the
image and it could not be identi- Coliseumbeingreferredtoasthe"okradome"andthrougharticlesrelat-
tied with both males and females.
"Over the years we have been called many ingtothebirthoftheokra.Soonthesororities,fraternitiesandotherstu-
things, the Greenies, the Flatlanders, and finally dentorganizations adopted the "Fighting Okra" as itsunofficial mascot.
the Statesmen," said Wyatt. "Even though the Since its humble beginning,the Fighting Okrahas been the topic of
name was accepted down through the years, it nfruommertohuesJaacrktiscolnes,(Micsosm.m)eCnltaarriyon-aLneddgcearrttoootnhseiDnalpluabsli(cTaetxiaosn)sMroarnngiinngg
was neverofficially adopted."
JR V tcoot".nAIatnmweaO"sctasoonboeenrwa3af,tned1r9mt7ho4arteaartrdieceplcreiessbieyonntMawitsaivssemDmeaaldste-a Noshneiwrttshs.eaNRnedBcCbeenatTnloiydeaaybasSbigihneosdweaprfeircaotmisnoNguegthwhte-YaFofirtgekhrtCiiinttgye.mOTfkorrdoaamyw.tahFseigushneitevinenrgnsaiOttkiyrobnaowtoiekdee--
editor Willis Lucroy summarized the selection store.
In 1998 the Student Alumni Association asked a member, Brian
process, saying "The Delta State Statesman will
Formby.toconsiderwearing anokracostume inthe fall
soon relinquish his position in favorofacouger,acropduster,oran alli-
homecoming parade. Mirroring an image that origi-
gator. These three choices were submitted by an anonymous committee
nated in a 1998 cartoon
appointed by Dr.Aubrey Lucas,university president, in accordance with
by Godfrey Jones ofthe
an earlier committee's criteria. The final decision on which mascot will
be adopted lies withDSU students,faculty and alumni." Clarion-Ledger, Formby
While original plans were to announce the results and name the new designed and made the
costume and his appear-
mascot (cougar, cropduster or alligator) at the 1974 homecoming, only
anceintheparadewasan
129 total votes were recorded. The low turnout and other concerns
immediate and popular
prompted Dr. Lucas to void the balloting. Stating that "a mascot should
success.
be a symbol which unites ratherthan divides," Lucas asked the original
Today the
committee,chairedby mathematics professorRayWilson,toresume the
study of the issue and also requested that a new ballot, including the "Fighting Okra" is
Statesman and other suggested mascots be drawn for future considera- still very much a
part of Delta
tion.As you might imagine, Lucas' decision was greeted with a variety
State University.
ofreactions.
The Statesman
In April of 1975 another mascot election was scheduled. This time
and the Okra
948 students,faculty and alumni submittedballots with 625 favoringthe
mascots both
Statesman. In announcing the results Dr. Lucas said, "It is obvious that
appear at athletic
the majority ofthose casting ballots preferto retain the Statesman as its
contests and assist
"official" mascot.
the cheerleaders in
stimulating support.
VDeltaCurrents 10