President William N. LaForge began his first day (April 15) as the eighth leader of Delta State University by getting straight to work. Enthusiastic about being back at his alma mater, he began the day by welcoming the leadership team for campus operations from Teach For America to the campus as they prepare for the upcoming summer institute.

“We are honored to have you here preparing for the 2013 summer institute,” said LaForge. “Teach For America has become a vital component in improving the education of the children in our rural schools. We are glad that you are here and look forward to working with you this summer.”

To support his platform of increasing enrollment, LaForge visited Bayou Academy and spoke to the junior and senior classes. “I am honored to be here on the first day of my tenure and I want to remind you that Delta State is right down the road,” said LaForge. “You are very important to us and we want you to know that it is a new day and new time at Delta State University. We will continue to develop a culture of serious, high-quality education but we will ensure that you have fun in the process.”

Continue reading →

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning announced today the unanimous decision to name William N. LaForge as president of Delta State University. A Delta State University alumnus, LaForge has enjoyed a career in both the public and private sectors, spanning the fields of law, government, higher education and public policy. He currently serves as principal of LaForge Government Relations in Washington, D.C.

“I know the Delta State family is excited to welcome Bill LaForge back home,” said Trustee Alan Perry, chair of the Delta State University Board Search Committee. “Delta State needs a leader who understands the university, the region and how to bring people together to move the university forward. Bill’s enthusiasm, knowledge of the Delta, and love for the university made him the right choice for Delta State at this time.”

LaForge served as senior legislative counsel to Republican and Democratic lawmakers in both houses of Congress. He was chief counsel of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and culminated his government career as Chief Legislative Counsel and Chief of Staff to United States Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi. Previously, he served as Congressional Liaison for the Peace Corps and as a legislative assistant to Mississippi Congressman David Bowen. He has also advised and organized political campaigns for major office holders in both political parties.

 Press Conference Announcing Delta State’s Eighth President

Continue reading →