Dr. Wayne Blansett Memorial

The Delta State University flag will fly at half-staff on Sunday, August 20, 2023, through sunset on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, in memory of Vice President of Student Affairs Emeritus, Dr. Wayne Blansett (’73, ’74, ‘88). Dr. Blansett served the University for four decades and retired in 2015. Fondly known as “Dr. B.,” he was a role model and mentor for countless Delta State students.

Harvey Wayne Blansett was called home on Friday, August 18, 2023, due to complications from a nine-year battle with Vascular Dementia.   Born June 17, 1951, in Houston, MS to Maylene Stafford Blansett and Bill Blansett, Wayne was the youngest of four children. Wayne married his college sweetheart, Diane Woods of Winona, Mississippi in 1973 at Moore Memorial Methodist Church in Winona, and together they raised two children, Melanie and Brian. Those children and his family remained the absolute center of his universe until he took his last breath on this Earth.

Some men’s lives cannot, and should not, be measured by their service to their community or their employer. Instead, some men should be judged by their impact on others. Wayne Blansett was such a man. He never asked for the spotlight; instead, he pushed others to center stage.  He never sought awards; yet he did everything in his power to make sure other people received their just due. He never told others about his own multitude of gifts and talents; instead, he was the first to brag on someone else. Wayne’s servant leadership was the model for anyone who encountered him, and although he could be stern when necessary, few men have ever been more compassionate to others.  

See full obituary here.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Wayne Blansett Leadership Scholarship through this online portal or by mail to: DSU Foundation, DSU Box 3141 Cleveland, MS 38733.