The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees approves Delta State’s proposal to separate the College of Business and Aviation into two individual programs.
The IHL – a board of trustees that oversees public universities in Mississippi with the goal of preparing students to become citizens and providing an avenue for students to succeed at the college level – approved Delta State’s plan to create two distinct academic schools within the university. The College of Business and Aviation will now be split into two to allow greater focus on the individual programs.
“The continued growth and success of both aviation and business programs created an opportunity to strengthen leadership and focus within each area,” said Dr. Daniel J. Ennis, president of Delta State University. “Establishing separate colleges will allow each discipline to benefit from dedicated academic oversight, intentional planning and strategic leadership while continuing to support the university’s mission of preparing students for success.”
Discussions within the university have taken place over the past two years to expand the College of Aviation in response to the growing demand for pilots nationwide and advances in aviation technology.
“The success of our aviation and business programs has created opportunities that deserve dedicated attention and leadership,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leslie Griffin said. “This transition will allow each college to build on its strengths, pursue new initiatives and better serve students, industry partners and the communities that depend on the graduates we produce.”
In addition, the business program at Delta State is planning its own expansion now that it’s separate, using AI in its academic offerings to address workforce demands in Mississippi.
The now-separate colleges will have their own deans to most effectively guide and support faculty and student growth in the newly expanded programs.
“This is an exciting step forward for Delta State,” newly appointed Dean of the College of Aviation Dr. Joe Childs said. “The creation of a standalone College of Aviation recognizes the tremendous momentum our aviation programs have experienced and positions us to continue meeting the needs of a rapidly evolving industry while building on the foundation established by the visionary chairs, faculty and deans who helped make Delta State a leader in aviation education.”