New administration building
dedicated to Kent Wyatt
A fitting tribute to Dr.Wyatt's place within the history of
Delta State University and Cleveland
By LISA UZZLE GATES
DBJ Contributing Writer
Kent Wyatt has spent much of his life on the campus of Delta State University. So it’s only appropriate that much of the life of the university happens in Kent Wyatt Hall.
The recent dedication of the university’s new administration building in honor of Wyatt, was the latest chapter in his long relationship with the Delta university that he led as president for 24 years.
“It was a tremendous surprise,” Wyatt said, referring to the announcement about the name of the building two years ago. He was attending the ground breaking ceremony for the new building, and at the end of the ceremony it was announced that the board had voted to name the building in honor of Wyatt. “I was humbled and delighted. It is a significant honor for me, and my family. I have known many people other buildings on campus have been named for, and it means a lot to me to be a part of that group.”
Wyatt basically grew up on the campus. His father came to Delta State Teacher’s College in 1946 as a teacher and football coach. As an adult Wyatt returned to the college as the director of the alumni office, eventually becoming assistant to President Aubrey Lucas and becoming president in 1975 when Lucas went to the University of Southern Mississippi.
Wyatt retired as president in 1999. As president emeritus he has an office on campus and continues to work with the college’s foundation and the state legislature on behalf of the college.
Dr. John Hilpert, DSU president, said the dedication of the building in Wyatt’s honor is only fitting.
“The Wyatt years, as they are known on campus, established Delta State as a university where academics and service to the community are equally valued. Dr. Kent Wyatt and his wife Janice have a true love for this university and the opportunity it offers the Delta region. As President, Dr. Wyatt maintained a vision that brought growth in several areas including academics, structural improvements, and the Foundation,” Hilpert said.
The college also honored Wyatt’s wife, Janice, by naming the first floor conference room for her. Kent Wyatt said that was another wonderful surprise, because they found out about it at the dedication ceremony.
“Kent Wyatt Hall is a beautiful building and a fitting tribute to Dr.Wyatt's place within the history of Delta State University,” Hilpert said.
The 43,000-square foot Kent Wyatt Hall, designed by Ely and Associates, is the new location for several student services such as Enrollment Services, Bursar, Financial Aid, Registrar, and Graduate and Continuing Studies, as well as administrative offices.
The Wyatt years brought many positive changes to Delta State including several undergraduate and graduate level degree programs, all earning national accreditation, along with the renovation or construction of 18 buildings. Enrollment remained steady, faculty increased and the University completed its first capital campaign, doubling the initial $5 million goal. Several community programs also began under Wyatt’s tenure.
And while there is quite a bit of activity going on in Wyatt Hall, don’t look for Dr. Wyatt’s office in the building named for him. After decades of service, he was looking for something a bit quiet.
“My office is in the library and that’s just fine with me. It’s nice and quiet,” he said, laughing. DBJ
