Educational program for tourism industry professionals sponsored by Mississippi State University and Mississippi Tourism

CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI | OCTOBER 20, 2026 - Delta Blues Museum Director Shelley Ritter has earned a Master's Certificate in the Excellence in Tourism Leadership (ETL) Program offered by the Mississippi State University Extension Center for Government and Community Development, in conjunction with Mississippi Tourism Association.

The two-year program focuses on the tourism industry and focuses on capacity building for community leaders. Participants learn about timely topics and programs that will help them grow and market tourism in their community. They also gain invaluable perspectives and insights in the fields of leadership, advocacy, and public policy and administration. Participants in the multi-discipline initiative receive a Associate Certificate at the end of Year One and a Master's Certificate at the program's conclusion. Dr. Rachael Carter, Director of the Tourism Leadership Program, adds that the projects ETL students complete "are impactful examples of how tourism can enhance our communities' economies."

Danielle Morgan, Executive Director of Mississippi Tourism, applauds Ritter's certification and involvement in the ELT Program. "Through her work at Delta Blues Museum, Shelley plays an important role in preserving Mississippi’s rich musical heritage and sharing the stories that make our state such a special place to visit," Morgan offers, adding, "This program is about more than professional development. It’s about investing in passionate people, building meaningful relationships, inspiring new ideas, and equipping leaders to make a lasting impact on our industry. Shelley’s commitment to continued learning and leadership reflects the very spirit of this program, and we are excited to see the difference she will continue to make in Clarksdale, the Mississippi Delta, and across our state.”

Clarksdale Mayor Orlando Paden also commends Ritter's accomplishment. “I’ve had the pleasure of seeing firsthand the work Shelley Ritter puts into making Delta Blues Museum a destination recognized around the world," he says. "Shelley understands the importance of our history and the role tourism plays in Clarksdale’s future. I’m proud of her achievement, and I congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition."

Ritter says the program gave her not only a better understanding of the tourism industry but also tangible opportunities to grow the Museum's reach and audience through new partnerships and refined marketing strategies. "One of the most valuable things I learned was how to 'decode' the tourism industry in Mississippi—and, more importantly, the understanding of how Delta Blues Museum fits into the state’s larger tourism strategy," Ritter shares. "Learning about Visit Mississippi's Strategic Plan and goals has directly informed the Museum’s marketing efforts over the past two years and helped us align what we are already doing with broader statewide opportunities."

(l to r) Delta Blues Museum Director Shelley Ritter, ETL Director Dr. Rachael Carter

About the Mississippi State University Extension Center for Government and Community Development

The Center for Government and Community Development (GCD) is a unit of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, which is located within the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University.

The center’s staff design and deliver educational programs, training activities, information, and technical assistance in response to the high priority economic and community development needs of Mississippi communities and their citizens.

Participants in GCD programs include local government leaders, community-based organizations, state and local agencies, and business enterprises. The activities of the center help the university build strong partnerships with agencies, institutions, organizations, and foundations that have a shared commitment to strengthening the well-being of Mississippi communities and the work of local government officials.

The GCD mission also includes providing community leaders, organizations, agencies, businesses, and citizens with high quality, science-based information on economic and community development topics. This is accomplished through a variety of communications channels, including newsletters, web sites, trade magazines, and special reports.

About the Mississippi Tourism Association

The voice of tourism, the Mississippi Tourism Association is a membership organization whose mission is to unite all sectors of the tourism industry through advocacy, promotion and education. MTA’s vision is to transform Mississippi’s economy through increased visitor spending and overall travel industry growth. For 39 years, MTA has led Mississippi's tourism education, promotion and advocacy efforts. Membership and organization details can be found at www.mstourism.com.

About Delta Blues Museum

Established in 1979 by the Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees, Delta Blues Museum is Mississippi's first music museum and the world's first museum dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the distinct American art form known as the Blues—not by honoring an industry or an individual, but by honoring the culture and the musicians who created the music. The Museum is a recipient of the IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Services as well as the National Arts & Humanities' Youth Program Award.

Delta Blues Museum is also recognized as a Great River Road Interpretive Center. For more information on events or programs, please call (662) 627-6820, or visit the Museum web site at www.deltabluesmuseum.org.

Members of the press may register in the PRESS ROOM on the Museum's website to access further information, downloadable images and related materials.

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1 Blues Alley, Clarksdale, MS 38674 | 662-627-6820 | info@deltabluesmuseum.org

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