I have been heartened by recent actions of the state’s political leaders that indicate a re-dedication of efforts to help the Delta realize its full economic potential.

Especially pleasing to me is that Delta State University is involved in many of the initiatives that are targeted toward helping our region help itself.

Education re-mains the key to our growth and development, and a big step toward improving K-12 instruction was taken during the 1998 session of the Mississippi Legislature under the leadership of Rep. Charlie Capps of Cleveland, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Sweeping legislation was passed that will help Delta school districts attract and retain teachers in rural areas where critical shortages now exist.

Economic development will always be a priority in an area where poverty is still commonplace. At Delta State, we believe that community development must precede economic development if our communities are to be attractive to prospective corporate citizens. We need clean and well-run communities that can effectively deliver the services and incentives that industrial prospects are seeking, including work force training. DSU’s Center for Community Development is active in many areas of the Delta where communities are involved in development programs.

It is a mark of progressive areas to offer cultural programs and opportunities to its residents, especially its young people. We at Delta State have been delighted by the Delta’s response to our new Bologna Performing Arts Center. Support of our programming efforts has been fantastic, thanks to major contributions by such forward-thinking citizens like Dr. and Mrs. Nino Bologna of Greenville and Roger Malkin of Scott. Their contributions — along with those of hundreds of other Deltans — are helping bring such cultural events as The New York City Opera and world-renowned operatic soprano Kallen Esperian to our Delta region.

Especially pleasing to us has been the opportunity to bring special programming for school-age children. Last year, the Bologna Performing Arts Center had three touring programs in our children’s series, and each of the performances was before a full house of 1,200 young people from throughout the Delta. For many, if not most, it was their first opportunity to see a professional performance and to visit a first-class venue.

We recently completed a two-week pilot program for young Mississippians to train and perform in the performing arts. More than 50 young Deltans received the opportunity to work with professionals and to develop their skills. Most school children, especially those in the Delta, do not have these opportunities in their financially-strapped school systems. The value of this effort was confirmed to us when the highly acclaimed actor Morgan Freeman visited the children for two hours and encouraged their participation in the performing arts.

Our goal is to expand the program into the Mississippi Summer Arts Institute, a four-week residential program that will help develop the talents of 300 young Mississippians each year in the performing, visual and literary arts. We are looking forward to the challenge.

The future of Delta State University is permanently bound to the future of the Delta. We would welcome any suggestions concerning programs or initiatives that the university can undertake to make that future one of even greater promise. DBJ

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Site last updated January 10, 1999.