Delta State Welcomes President Daniel J. Ennis
Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
President Ennis
On March 28, 2023, Delta State University gained its ninth president, Dr. Daniel J. Ennis. This appointment came about after the Institute of Higher Learning removed former president William N. Laforge last summer. As a result, IHL selected E.E. Butch Caston as the interim president until the board selected a permanent candidate.
IHL conducted a nationwide presidential search, began an online survey to gain insight on what Delta State’s stakeholders wanted in a president and headed sentiments shared in listening sessions with the Delta State community in order to select the ninth president for Delta State University.
Welcome President Dr. Daniel J Ennis
Delta State introduced Dr. Daniel J Ennis as the new president with an event held on April 6, 2023. President Ennis addressed the crowd gathered in Jobe Auditorium by saying, “Well, I’m overwhelmed. I’m so grateful for being here today. This is not the occasion to describe the things I have been hired to do- to make data driven decisions, to review policies and tweak procedures, to align resources and strategic goals. I assure you all this will come at a later time.”
Following his opening statement, Ennis detailed the history of Delta State beginning with a portion a poem written by William H. Ziegler, our first president. He then emphasized the responsibility of himself and his staff. he reiterated. Ennis also spoke about change and the anticipated change Delta State will see.
Who is Dr. Ennis?
President Ennis holds a Bachelor’s of English Language and Literature from the College of Charleston, a Masters of English Language and Literature from Appalachian State University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy from Auburn University. He holds the following professional credentials: certificate in Management Development Program from Harvard University in 2012, Fulbright- Hayes Seminar in Morocco and Tunisia in 2011, and Fullbright Specialist 2019 to present day.
As and academic and administrator, President Ennis has had an extensive career. He’s held the following positions at Coastal Carolina University: Professor of English, Chair of the Department of English, Co-Director of the Honors Program, Interim Associate Dean, Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts, Vice President for Academic Outreach, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Your Voice Matters: Engage
Dr. Daniel J Ennis’s educational background, career history and achievements are profound. Furthermore, his expertise is grounded in English and continued professional growth that compliments his administrative endeavors.
Will we, the Delta State Community, get what we’re looking for in the new Delta State president?
Jamelia Mason (she/her) is a senior at Delta State. She is originally from Clarksdale, Miss., but went to school in Tunica, Miss. Jamelia was initially...