BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Delta State University President Emeritus Dr. Kent Wyatt was announced as one of six distinguished inductees into the the 2020 Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame Class announced on Thursday, April 2, 2020.

Joining Wyatt in the GSC's seventh Hall of Fame Class are: Malcolm Butler (West Alabama), Morgan Johnson Faulk (Valodsta State), Josh Magette (Alabama Huntsville), Larry Myricks (Mississippi College), and Josh Willingham (North Alabama).

"I am so pleased that the Gulf South Conference is honoring Dr. Kent Wyatt by inducting him into the conference hall of fame," Delta State President William LaForge said. "Dr. Wyatt was instrumental in the conference's governance and leadership in its early years and throughout his 24 year presidency at Delta State. He is a "Hall of Famer" in every sense of the word, and it is both a tribute to Dr. Wyatt and a matter of honor and pride for Delta State for him to be recognized so appropriately by our athletic conference for his years of service and leadership."

 

Dr. Wyatt was instrumental in the growth and success of Delta State in his 24 years (1975-1999) as president. During that time, he served two terms as the president of the GSC and was a vital part of the league's success, growth, and expansion. Additionally, he has served on the NCAA's Management Council and President's Commissioner, and he was also the chair of the NCAA's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Athlete Certification Committee.

Wyatt was the first alumnus of the school to be chosen as its leader. It was under Dr. Wyatt's presidency that the Lady Statesmen forged ahead and won their second and third consecutive national basketball championships. As a member of the Delta community, the English faculty initiated the Delta Area Writing Project to assist Delta schools.

Dr. Wyatt became president during the 50th anniversary of Delta State, and would later deliver the first doctoral degree in 1984. Fundraising became an important issue for Delta State when the Alumni Foundation launched its $5 million dollar campaign in 1996. It exceeded that goal in 1999 when it reached the $10 million mark. Dr. Wyatt later announced his retirement in 1999 after 24 years of service.

Wyatt was awarded recognition in Delta State's newest program, the "Legends of Delta State University." in 2014. With the honor, he joined the inaugural class as one of Delta State's most distinguished leaders of lifetime achievement, service, excellence and success in serving the university.

The University established a scholarship fund in their honor titled the Dr. Kent and and Janice Scholarship fund as part of the celebration the anniversary of 50 years service. This fund provides financial assistance to students to help them stay in school and on the path to graduation. Additionally, it helps Delta State address one of its major challenges on campus - retention.

Dr. Wyatt and former First Lady Janice established the Janice Wyatt Mississippi Summer Arts Institute, which is a series of summer camps hosted by the Bologna Performing Arts Center every year for children ages 5-18. The programs offer a variety of arts education opportunities for campers, focusing on performing, visual, digital, and literary arts.

A brief description of the other honorees can be found below. For more information on the GSC Hall of Fame, click here.

"With a long and storied history that includes 53 National Championships, the GSC and its member institutions are proud of the Hall of Fame, introduced in June 2014, that recognizes individuals who played a key role in developing the conference's reputation and legacy," said GSC Commissioner Matt Wilson. "The Class of 2020 almost perfectly represents that history with achievements spanning every decade of our history."

Malcolm Butler, West Alabama
 
In his two years in Livingston, Butler was a standout corner for the Tigers, earning back-to-back First Team All-GSC honors and All-American status. Butler has gone on to have a prolific NFL career as an All-Pro, a two-time Super Bowl Champion, and his iconic, game-winning interception in Super Bowl XLIX will be remembered forever.
 
Morgan Johnson Faulk, Valdosta State
 
Johnson Faulk won four GSC Championships in her four years on the VSU softball team, and she was an integral part of the 2012 NCAA Championship for the Blazers. Johnson Faulk was  the 2010 GSC East Freshman of the Year, a two-time First Team All-GSC selection, and an All-American on the field. She was equally impressive in the classroom and in the community, and she is one of just seven student-athletes in GSC history to win back-to-back Commissioner's Trophies.
 
Josh Magette, Alabama Huntsville
 
Magette was a three-time all-conference selection and the GSC Co-Player of the Year in 2012, the same year he led the Chargers to their first conference title in program history. Magette was a two-time All-American and guided UAH to back-to-back Elite Eights, earning Most Outstanding Player honors in the South Regional each time. He remains the GSC's career leader in assists and steals. Magette continues to play professionally, making his NBA debut in 2017 with the Atlanta Hawks. In 2018, Magette led the NBA G League in assists.
 
Larry Myricks, Mississippi College
 
Myricks is one of the most accomplished long jumpers in American history. He is a two-time NCAA Champion and a three-time Olympian, earning a bronze medal in 1988. Myricks was the recipient of the GSC Commissioner's Trophy in 1979, and he still holds the conference's meet record in the long jump over 40 years later. For his remarkable career, Myricks was inducted into the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2001
 
Josh Willingham, North Alabama
 
Willingham was a two-time First Team All-GSC selection as well as a two-time All-American for UNA. In his career, the Lions went 119-40-1, including a GSC Championship in 1999 on their way to the DII College World Series. He has the fifth highest batting average in league history, hitting .424 in his three seasons. Willingham was selected by the Marlins in the 17th round of the 2000 MLB Draft, and he would go on to play 11 seasons in the major leagues before retiring in 2014.
 
Dr. Kent Wyatt, Delta State
 
Dr. Wyatt was instrumental in the growth and success of Delta State in his 24 years (1975-1999) as president. During that time, he served two terms as the president of the GSC and was a vital part of the league's success, growth, and expansion. Additionally, he has served on the NCAA's Management Council and President's Commissioner, and he was also the chair of the NCAA's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Athlete Certification Committee.