By Nathan Duff, Delta State University
(L to R) Glendscene Williams, Joe Lackey, MCEDA COO Larkin Simpson, Kevin Entrekin, Zina Taran, DSU President Dan Ennis, Vicki Bingham, Leslie Griffin, Heather Miller, Jeffrey Leffler, Merideth VanNamen, Kristen Land and Workforce Director at CMPDD Robin Parker recently toured the Amazon Web Services data center in Ridgeland.
Faculty and staff from Delta State University recently traveled to central Mississippi for a firsthand look at two of the state’s most significant economic drivers, the Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center in Ridgeland and the Nissan Motor Corporation vehicle assembly plant in Canton. The tours were arranged by Madison County Economic Development Authority COO Larkin Simpson, and the group was accompanied by Robin Parker, Workforce Director at the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District.
At AWS, guided by Manager of Construction Joe Lackey, the group explored the infrastructure that powers secure, hyper scale cloud services used by organizations around the globe. Faculty engaged with site leaders on data security protocols, operational redundancy, sustainability efforts and the technical standards required to maintain enterprise-level cloud environments. Conversations also centered on workforce trends in cloud computing, GIS, IT operations and cybersecurity, fields that continue to expand across Mississippi and beyond.
The visit to Nissan’s facility offered a different but equally valuable perspective. Participants observed advanced automotive manufacturing in action, from robotics and automation systems to quality assurance procedures and lean production strategies. Plant leadership outlined the scope of engineering operations, supply chain logistics and workforce development efforts that sustain one of the state’s largest manufacturing employers.
The purpose of both visits was straightforward: ensure Delta State’s academic programs remain aligned with real-world workforce expectations. By engaging directly with industry leaders in technology and advanced manufacturing, the University strengthens partnerships that inform curriculum design, experiential learning opportunities and regional economic development efforts.
“Opportunities like this allow our faculty and staff to better understand the technologies, processes, and skill sets shaping today’s workforce,” said Dr. Leslie Griffin, Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs. “These insights are critical as we continue developing programs that prepare graduates to meet industry needs.”
Delta State University is committed to cultivating relationships with employers across Mississippi to support workforce readiness, industry collaboration and student success.
For more information about Delta State University and its academic programs, visit www.deltastate.edu.