ITTA BENA, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State University has appointed Dr. Candace Carter Stevens as assistant vice president of institutional research and effectiveness.

Stevens transitions into the role after serving as an associate professor of mathematics in the Department of Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences, and most recently as president of the Faculty Senate.

ITTA BENA, Miss. — Dr. Abigail Newsome, associate vice president for academic affairs at Mississippi Valley State University, has been selected to join the inaugural cohort of the Strategic Data Project (SDP) Fellowship, representing MVSU in a prestigious national initiative aimed at strengthening data practices at Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced its 2025 SWAC TV Football schedule, with the inaugural slate set to include 45 football games.

Mississippi Valley State will host the first SWAC TV broadcast of the season when the Delta Devils welcome defending SWAC West Division champion Southern to Itta Bena on Saturday, August 30 at 4 p.m. CST.

ITTA BENA, Miss.—Mississippi Valley State University has named Dr. Alecia Shields-Gadson as its new Director of Athletics, effective Tuesday, July 15. With more than 25 years of experience in collegiate athletics leadership, Shields-Gadson brings a record of strategic innovation, competitive success, and student-athlete advocacy to the Delta Devils family.

ITTA BENA, Miss.— Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) has appointed Dr. Ernie Troy Hughes as its new Vice President for University Advancement, Governmental Affairs, and External Relations. Hughes brings with him more than thirty years of leadership in philanthropy, community development, and higher education advancement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Donnell D. Maxie, Mississippi Valley State University, (662) 254-3577, donell.maxie@mvsu.edu

Jason Thompson, Fahrenheit Creative Group, LLC, (601) 371-8003, jthompson@fcgworks.com

LaTunya Evans,  Communications Specialist

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State University’s Communications and Marketing Office took center stage at the 2025 College Public Relations Association of Mississippi (CPRAM) Conference, earning 19 awards across 10 categories for outstanding work in higher education marketing and communications.

Mississippi Valley State University’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Kathie Stromile Golden, has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award by NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The award recognizes her more than four decades of leadership and innovation in global education and her tireless efforts to elevate HBCUs internationally.

By LaTunya Evans, Communication Specialist 

ITTA BENA, Miss. — With emotion in his voice, Mississippi Valley State University alumnus Darryl Gaines reflected on the life-changing impact of his alma mater during the university’s 2025 commencement ceremony held Saturday morning in the R.W. Harrison Complex.