Please allow me an opportunity to give a big THANK YOU to The Valley faculty and staff for your commitment and dedication to our students and the registration process. Last night and during lunch today, I was able to walk through Lackey Recreation Center, the site of registration. Everything was so professionally organized and there were no bottle necks. I was most impressed. I enjoyed speaking with faculty and staff who were present and to students. Many faculty members expressed new ideas for their majors and grant writing, and all were very enthusiastic about the spring semester. They expressed a lot of hope for moving Valley forward.

My friends, I have been made to feel so welcomed – I really feel like a member of The Valley family. I am excited about the direction our faculty are going and I am extremely pleased with the individuals I met in Applied Technology, Communications, Physical Education, Recreation and Health, Teacher Education, Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English and Foreign Languages, Math and Computer Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Social Work and others.

Here’s a message just for Valley students: The first day of classes begins tomorrow. My charge to each of you is to make education your top priority. I want you to think success in everything you do here at The Valley and give 100 percent. Our faculty and staff are here to help you in your education journey, but they must have your commitment to be at class on time and to fulfill all of your assignments. We’re all working together for a winning team in the classroom and in the athletic arenas. Just as you are counting on us, we’re counting on you!

It’s been another great day at The Valley!

I am so excited to have some of the greatest friends of this institution continue their commitment and support. Victor and Mercidees McTeer, along with their daughter, the honorable Heather Hudson, mayor of Greenville, have made another gift of $50,000. What makes this gift extra special is that it is above and beyond a $500,000 pledge that they have fulfilled. This additional gift of $50,000 will ensure the continuation of academic excellence for many deserving students. Please join me in saying THANK YOU to the McTeer family! It is wonderful to know that the McTeers remain committed to the Delta and Mississippi Valley State University.

Today I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Dallas Reed as the Interim Vice President for University Relations pending IHL Board Approval next week. Ms. Reed will assume this appointment immediately as we continue to review and revise the organizational structure of the university in an effort to ensure effective and efficient operations.

Please join me in congratulating Ms. Reed on this appointment.

Don’t forget – registration continues through tomorrow at 8 p.m. in the Lackey Recreation Center.

It’s rained all day long in the Mississippi Delta but that can’t dampen our spirits! We have been registering students for the spring term. I’m delighted to meet so many outstanding young men and women and look forward to their success at The Valley.

Mark your calendars for our Dr. Martin Luther King Convocation on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. in the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium. We’ll celebrate Dr. King’s life and the fulfillment of his dream with the inauguration of our new president, President Obama. Itta Bena Mayor Thelma Collins has graciously agreed to speak along with several men who will share their own experiences when Dr. King was in Greenwood and Itta Bena.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Convocation Committee tells me that plans are to have big screen televisions set up in both Carpenter and the Social Science Buildings for faculty, staff and students to witness history as it is being made. We invite the community to join us for convocation and throughout the day for the swearing-in ceremonies and other events as they are televised throughout the day.