CLEVELAND, Miss.— The Mississippi Young Banker's Association has named Keshawn Jennings, a senior finance major in the College of Business and Aviation at Delta State University from Marietta, Georgia, as the 2023 Swayze Scholar. The award is presented annually to an outstanding college senior studying banking and finance at state-supported universities in Mississippi. Five scholarship finalists from Mississippi universities were invited to the Mississippi Young Banker's Convention in Point Clear, Ala., in March this year. This is the first time that a DSU student has won the Swayze Medallion.
 
Jennings came to Delta State as a freshman to play football. During his time at DSU, he was named to the Dean's List from 2020-2022, was selected as team captain in 2022 and garnered honors for All-Gulf South Conference Second Team in 2021 and All-GSC First Team in 2022. A four-year starter, he also works on campus in the Student Success Center assisting students who need academic support. 
 
Jennings said, "It was a beautiful event, and it was a surreal moment to be the only DSU student nominated and the first DSU student to win the award. I want to thank the Mississippi Banking Association council members, the operators and the staff at the convention, and all the bankers that were there. I also want to thank the Delta State family, community, and everyone else that helped me achieve this award."
 
Lisa Cooley the Director of the MBA Program at Delta State University said "The process of nominating a student for the award required me to reach out to folks on campus for different requests. As I started reaching out, it was evident what an impression he makes on people. People LOVE Keshawn. He is a leader on campus and on the team. He has this quiet and humble sort of personality that really puts people at ease. It makes him perfect for his role in the Student Success Center where he helps students who are struggling academically. He also gives a lot of campus tours to prospective students and frequently serves on student panels. Keshawn is the type of guy who works so hard, but doesn't self-promote. He holds meetings for the offensive linemen to watch film and correct their mistakes (he does this beyond what is required by his coaches). He does so much behind the scenes without a lot of glory. He even joked that the only time his name is called over the PA at football games, it's because he did something wrong (offensive linemen are only mentioned on the PA if they receive a penalty). This made it so special that he was selected for such a prestigious award."

Head Coach Todd Cooley said "I'm proud and excited for Keshawn earning this award. It could happen to a better guy from day one he has made this program better and makes everyone around him better. It doesn't surprise me that Keshawn won the award because he is a magnificent young man and he has that "it" factor. I'm also excited to see what the future holds for Keshawn."