CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University has received approval from the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees to divide its College of Business and Aviation into two separate academic units, creating a standalone College of Business and a standalone College of Aviation.
University officials said the restructuring is intended to support the continued growth of both disciplines while enhancing leadership, strategic planning and workforce development efforts.
The decision comes as Delta State’s aviation programs have experienced significant expansion amid increasing demand for pilots, advances in aviation technology and evolving industry regulations. University leaders said changes in airport operations, unmanned aircraft systems and increased state and federal investment in aviation education also contributed to the need for a more specialized organizational structure.
At the same time, Delta State’s business programs have broadened their focus on workforce development and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. The programs also oversee several initiatives with regional and statewide impact, including the Delta Music Institute, the Center for Community Economic Development and the Interdisciplinary Center for Geospatial Information Technologies.
“The continued growth and success of both aviation and business programs created an opportunity to strengthen leadership and focus within each area,” Delta State President Daniel J. Ennis said in a statement. “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.”
Under the approved plan, each college will have its own dean to oversee academic quality, support students and faculty, and guide future innovation.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Leslie Griffin said the transition will allow each college to build on its strengths and better serve students, industry partners and communities across the region.
As part of the restructuring, Joe Childs will become dean of the newly established College of Aviation. Childs will continue assisting with business programs during the transition while the university conducts a national search for a dean of the College of Business.
Childs said the creation of a standalone aviation college recognizes the growth of Delta State’s aviation programs and positions the university to meet the needs of a rapidly changing industry.
The proposal was developed through collaboration among faculty, college leadership and university administrators before advancing through campus review processes and ultimately receiving approval from the IHL Board of Trustees.
