Delaware State University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Delaware State University (DSU), a state-assisted historically black land-grant research university in Dover, Delaware, has fostered a diverse array of accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields. From celebrities and politicians to business leaders and athletes, DSU alumni have left an indelible mark on society. This article highlights some of the university's most prominent graduates and their achievements.
About Delaware State University
"Delaware State" redirects here. Delaware State University (DSU or Del State) is a privately governed, state-assisted historically black land-grant research university in Dover, Delaware. Founded with a mission to provide educational opportunities to all, DSU has grown into a comprehensive university offering 46 undergraduate degrees, 21 graduate degrees, and six doctoral degrees (interdisciplinary applied mathematics and mathematical physics, applied chemistry, neuroscience and optics, integrative agriculture, food & environment, and educational leadership). DSU also has two satellite campuses: one in Wilmington and one in Georgetown.
DSU's main campus, located in Dover, Delaware, spans 400 acres (1.6 km2) and is conveniently situated within a two-hour drive of major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., and three hours from New York City. The university encompasses four colleges and a diverse population of undergraduate and advanced-degree students. The university has renamed the former Wesley campus "DSU Downtown", reflecting its close proximity to downtown Dover, Delaware, and has relocated most of its College of Health and Behavioral Science (Public and Allied Health, Psychology, and Social Work programs on that additional 41-acre site. On the main campus there are five main campus traditional residential halls and three apartment-style residence halls for upperclassmen on campus. Off-campus there is an apartment complex and an residential hall. In addition, the university has activated two residential halls at DSU Downtown (the former Wesley College campus).
Tony Allen became the 12th president of Delaware State University on January 1, 2020, after serving the previous two and a half years as the university's provost and executive vice president. DSU athletic programs participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA)'s Division I (FCS for football).
Pioneers in Music and Entertainment
DSU has produced several influential figures in the music and entertainment industries, including:
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- Clifford Brown: An American jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer whose compositions "Sandu", "Joy Spring", and "Daahoud" have become jazz standards. Despite his tragically short life, Brown's impact on jazz music remains profound. He died at the age of 25 in a car crash, leaving behind four years' worth of recordings. Brown won the DownBeat magazine Critics' Poll for New Star of the Year in 1954; he was inducted into the DownBeat Hall of Fame in 1972.
- Starrah: Brittany Talia Hazzard, professionally known as Starrah, is an American songwriter, singer, and rapper from Delaware. A highly sought-after songwriter, Starrah has co-written numerous chart-topping hits for renowned artists. Best known for her songwriting work for other music industry artists, Starrah has co-written three singles that peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100: "Havana" for Camila Cabello in 2017, "Girls Like You" for Maroon 5 the following year, and "Savage Remix" for Megan Thee Stallion in 2020; the latter won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song. In addition, she has co-written songs that have peaked within the top 20 of the chart: Rihanna's "Needed Me," Normani's "Wild Side" (featuring Cardi B), Halsey's "Now or Never," Kevin Gates' "2 Phones," Nicki Minaj, Drake and Lil Wayne's "No Frauds," and Drake's "Fake Love."
- Armani White: Enoch Armani Tolbert, known professionally as Armani White, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. His 2022 single "Billie Eilish" peaked at number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100, and spawned a remix featuring rappers Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, and N.O.R.E. Prior to this, White was signed to Def Jam Recordings.
- Chioma Omeruah: Chioma Omeruah, better known as Chigul, is a Nigerian comedian, singer and actress who is known for her accents and comedic characters.
- Ralph Wesley: Delaware State Alum Ralph Wesley Named Washington Wizards' P.A. Announcer.
Leaders in Politics and Public Service
DSU alumni have also made significant contributions to the political landscape:
- Wayne Gilchrest: Wayne Thomas Gilchrest is an American politician who served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives representing Maryland's 1st congressional district. In 2008, Gilchrest was defeated in the Republican primary by State Senator Andy Harris. Following his departure from politics he has worked on environmental education. He is also a member of the ReFormers Caucus of Issue One. In 2019, Gilchrest became a registered Democrat. Enrolled in Delaware State University In 1973 graduated with Bachelor of Arts.
- Robin Christiansen: Robin R. Christiansen is an American politician currently serving as the mayor of Dover, Delaware. He was elected mayor in a special election on June 17, 2014, and took office on June 25, 2014. Christiansen had previously served on the city council of Dover from 1983 to 2001, serving as council president and vice mayor from 1990 to 2001.
- Marc Bean: Marc A. Bean is a Bermudian politician, and the former Leader of the Opposition. Bean was a Member of Bermuda's Parliament since winning a by-election in 2010, securing the seat of Warwick South Central for the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party (PLP). Previously, Bean had served in the Bermuda Senate. While in government, Bean held various ministerial and junior ministerial portfolios, including Environment, Planning and Infrastructure Strategy. In September 2020, he announced that he was forming a new political party, the Free Democratic Movement, to contest the 2020 Bermudian general election.
- Clyde Bishop: Dr. Clyde Bishop is an American diplomat. Ambassador to the Marshall Islands from 2006 to 2009. Senior Foreign Service and is class of Minister Counselor.
Champions in Athletics
DSU has a proud tradition of athletic excellence, with alumni achieving success in various sports:
- George Tahdooahnippah: George "Comanche Boy" Tahdooahnippah is a Native American professional boxer. He has held the WBC Continental Americas middleweight and Native American Boxing Council super middleweight titles. He also works as an environment and diabetes specialist.
Innovators in Academia and Research
DSU alumni have also excelled in academia and research, contributing to advancements in various fields:
- James L. Moore III: James L. Moore III is the Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer of The Ohio State University. He also serves as executive director of the Todd Anthony Bell National Resource Center on the African American Male and is the inaugural College of Education and Human Ecology Distinguished Professor of Urban Education. Moore co-founded the International Colloquium on Black Males in Education. From 2015 to 2017, Moore served as the rotating program director for Broadening Participation in Engineering in the Engineering directorate at the National Science Foundation in Arlington, Virginia. In 2018 the Dr. James L. Moore III Scholars Program, established by Missy and Bob Weiler, was created to support undergraduate students transferring from Columbus State Community College to Ohio State University.
Artists and Cultural Influencers
DSU has also nurtured talented artists who have made their mark on the cultural landscape:
- Simmie Knox: Simmie Lee Knox is an American painter who painted the official White House portrait of former United States President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton. He was the first black American artist to receive a presidential portrait commission.
DSU's Commitment to Excellence
The success of Delaware State University's alumni is a testament to the university's commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its students. DSU offers a wide range of programs and resources to help students achieve their full potential, including:
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- Academic Programs: DSU offers 46 undergraduate degrees, 21 graduate degrees, and six doctoral degrees, providing students with a diverse range of academic options.
- Aviation Program: DSU's Aviation Program provides students with education and experience in preparation for careers in the aviation industry. Curricula in the program lead to a B.Sc. degree with concentrations in Aviation Management or Professional Pilot. Delaware State operates the only full-service, university-based flight school in the mid-Atlantic area.
- Research Opportunities: As a land-grant research university, DSU provides students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research across various disciplines. As a part of the Internet2 initiative, the university maintains several research computer laboratories including a high-performance computational cluster in its DESAC center.
- Student Support Services: DSU offers a variety of student support services to help students succeed academically, personally, and professionally.
Recognition and Accolades
Delaware State University has received numerous accolades for its academic programs, research initiatives, and commitment to student success. These include:
- Accreditation: In 1945, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education awarded the college provisional accreditation.
- Awards: In 2017, the university received the ACAS Health Leadership Award in recognition of its efforts.
- Rankings: Delaware State University is consistently ranked among the top historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States.
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