First class announced for prestigious honors
Delta State University has announced the inaugural class of its “DSU Under 40” awards program, which recognizes outstanding young alumni who are making significant contributions both in their communities and to the DSU family.
This new awards program highlights graduates under the age of 40 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, innovation, and excellence across diverse fields, including education, public service, healthcare, business, and the arts.
The inaugural DSU Under 40 Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2025, during Delta State’s 93rd Homecoming weekend. The honorees will be celebrated during a special event that recognizes their achievements and ongoing connection to their alma mater.
The 2025 DSU Under 40 honorees are:
- Aallyah Wright of Silver Spring, MD
- Alvin Ward of Houston, TX
- Ashley Flint of Cleveland, MS
- Ashley N. Cox of Cleveland, MS
- Brady Pate of Cleveland, MS
- Brooks Bishop of Cleveland, MS
- Christopher Smith of Burien, WA
- Courtney Simmons of Byram, MS
- Craig Mandolini of Greenville, MS
- Dr. Carley JM Parkison of Sandy, UT
- Dustin Pambianchi of Brandon, MS
- Eboni Jones of Clarksdale, MS
- Garrett DeWitt of Provo, UT
- Geoffrey Dean Arnold of Jackson, MS
- James D. Forté of Brandon, MS
- JaQuandra Sprouse-Gayden of Germantown, TN
- Jason Anderson of Memphis, TN
- Jeanna Dacey Wilkes of Madison, MS
- Jennie Guido of Natchez, MS
- Joe Raymond of Hattiesburg, MS
- Jordan Thomas of Memphis, TN
- Kate Kinnison Van Namen of Memphis, TN
- Katherine Horlock of Clinton, MS
- Kyle Partridge of Cleveland, MS
- Madison Dixon of Starkville, MS
- Mason D. McAnally of Castle Rock, CO
- Matt DeFillips of Long Beach, MS
- Matthew Swaine of Columbus, OH
- Nicholas Johnson of Duck Hill, MS
- Nicole Fox of Tupelo, MS
- Satoria Hall of Merigold, MS
- Scottie Willis, Jr. of Jackson, MS
- Tara Dunn Ross of Memphis, TN
- Wendolyn S. Stevens of Jackson, MS
- Wesley Aldridge of Cleveland, MS
- Zach Pinkerton of Cleveland, MS
“These honorees are paving the way and making impactful contributions in their careers and ongoing support of Delta State,” said Corley Mullins, Director of Alumni Affairs. “We are proud to honor them as the inaugural “DSU Under 40” class and are excited to celebrate them during Homecoming.”
For more information about the “DSU Under 40” awards program or to learn more about Homecoming 2025 events, please contact the Office of University Advancement at 662-846-4704.