The announcement culminates a national search conducted by the Board with assistance from A.T. Kearney of Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. Stacey Davidson (Cleveland) and Bryce Griffis (Starkville) co-chaired the Board's Presidential Search Committee. Hilpert was one of four finalists to take part in on-campus interviews with Board members and members of the Campus Advisory Committee. Hilpert succeeds Interim President, Dr. John Thornell, who was named president on an interim basis after Dr. David Potter was appointed by the Board to the position of Commissioner of Higher Education.

Both co-chairs commented on the Board's decision.

Dr. Davidson said,"Delta State University is fortunate to have an executive with Dr. Hilpert's credentials and experience to continue to provide the type of leadership that will make DSU even stronger. This is a very good day for the Delta," said Dr. Davidson.

"On behalf of the Board, I wish to thank everyone involved in the search for their insight and assistance throughout the process. With the help of the Commissioner, the Campus Advisory Committee and our consultant, the Board has worked tirelessly to provide this outstanding university with an innovative, energetic leader who will be a most effective president," said Griffis.

"We join campus and community leaders in congratulating Dr. Hilpert on being selected and welcome Dr. and Mrs. John Hilpert to DSU," said David Potter, Commissioner of Higher Education. "He possesses tremendous talents and a demonstrated commitment to helping DSU continue to reach its goals. Dr. Hilpert's experiences have allowed him the opportunity to gain the type of local, national and international perspectives on challenges and current trends in higher education that are necessary for effective leadership today. The Board and I believe he will be an excellent addition to Mississippi higher education."

Dr. Hilpert's start date to assume the presidency will be determined. His salary is $175,000 in state appropriated dollars and a $25,000 supplement from the DSU Foundation and Alumni.

DSU is located in Cleveland and enrolled 3,963 students in Fall 2002. The University provides a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum, offering 13 baccalaureate degrees in 38 majors. It also seeks to meet the need for advanced training in certain fields by providing programs of study for nine master's degrees, the Educational Specialist degree, and the Doctor of Education degree. The Mississippi Delta, a twenty county, northwestern region which is rich in various ethnic and cultural groups, provides approximately 80% of the University's enrollment.

Dr. Hilpert and his wife, Pat, have three adult sons. Mrs. Hilpert is a Registered Nurse and a published, award-winning photographer.