ITTA BENA, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) is pleased to announce its 2025 Fall Convocation, scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, in the Walter Roberts Auditorium of the H.G. Carpenter Building. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Miskia L. Davis, Director of District and School Performance and Accountability for The Kirkland Group, an education consulting firm based in Ridgeland, Mississippi.
Dr. Davis, a native of the Mississippi Delta, is widely recognized as a transformative educational leader. She previously served as Superintendent of the Sunflower County Consolidated School District, where she led the district from years of chronic underperformance to sustained academic gains — including earning its first-ever “C” rating in 2019 and later achieving a “B,” the highest in the region.
Her leadership was marked by bold accountability measures, innovative teacher support systems, and a relentless focus on student success. Community celebrations, from parades to student recognition initiatives, helped shift the district culture from resignation to resilience, with the hashtag #WINNING becoming a mantra for progress.
A lifelong educator, Dr. Davis has served as teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent, developing a reputation for turning around struggling schools. As principal, she successfully raised Ruleville Middle School from an “F” to an “A” in just three years. Today, through her role with The Kirkland Group, she consults with districts statewide, sharing the proven strategies that brought meaningful change to Sunflower County.
Her educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Chemistry from Delta State University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from William Carey University. Beyond her credentials, Davis is driven by her personal story. Growing up in Drew, Mississippi, she experienced many of the same challenges her students face today. That background, she says, grounds her philosophy that relationships are the most powerful catalyst for change.
“To grow children, much like flowers, you must plant them in fertile ground and intentionally care for them daily,” Dr. Davis has shared.
MVSU President Dr. Jerryl Briggs, Sr., expressed excitement about her keynote.
“Dr. Davis’s story is about perseverance, leadership, and vision. She embodies the mission of Mississippi Valley State University, empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. We are honored to welcome her as our convocation speaker,” said Dr. Briggs.
The Fall Convocation is a longstanding MVSU tradition. It signals the beginning of the academic year and unites students, faculty, staff, and the broader community in reflection and inspiration.
The event is open to the public, and all members of the Delta community are invited to attend.
