CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University is proud to announce the establishment of the Tricia Walker Scholarship, generously created by Mike W. and Nan Long Sanders in honor of Delta Music Institute (DMI) Director Emeritus Tricia Walker. This scholarship is a testament to Walker’s profound impact on the DMI program during her tenure from 2006 to 2019 and her ongoing contributions to the entertainment industry. The Tricia Walker Scholarship aims to support motivated and talented students pursuing a degree in Entertainment Industry Studies (EIS) at Delta State University. This scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to deserving students and encourage them to excel in their academic and professional pursuits. Walker, Director Emeritus of the Delta Music Institute and Professor of Practice Emeritus in Entertainment Industry Studies, is a native of Mississippi and an esteemed figure in the music industry. Her career spans decades, marked by her achievements as a songwriter, vocalist, instrumentalist, and producer. With songs recorded by renowned artists such as Faith Hill, Patty Loveless, and Allison Krauss, Walker’s influence extends far beyond her home state. Mike Sanders expressed his admiration for Walker, saying, “Tricia is such a gift to our community. I wanted to honor her work as the director of the Delta Music Institute and her current work with Deep Roots as Cleveland’s music ambassador. She is definitely one of the reasons that Cleveland is a special place to live and visit.” Reflecting on the scholarship, Walker said, “During the entirety of my tenure with the DMI entertainment industry program, Mike and Nan Sanders provided support in many ways, helping put the program on solid footing in its early years. This most recent act of generosity from the Sanders, the establishment of an academic scholarship to assist talented and exceptional students coming to Delta State, will encourage the best and brightest students to be a part of the DMI program for years to come. I am honored and grateful to have my name associated with this scholarship.”
