NATCHEZ — Ruth Nichols, assistant vice president for educational and communitiy partnerships of Alcorn State University, has been selected by Gov. Phil Bryant as one of 51 participants from eight states for the 2013-14 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy.

The institute brings together business and community leaders from each of the eight states in the Delta Regional Authority footprint for a year-long collaborative leadership development process, looking at regional approaches to strengthening the economy and viability of the Delta region.

The participants will spend the next year working through a number of pertinent topics important to the growth and prosperity of the Delta.

“Developing great leadership in our communities is key to the continued success and economic growth in our Delta communities,” said DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill. “The leaders chosen for this year’s class will gain skills and connections during this experience that will serve their communities for years to come.”

The institute is a cooperative effort between the University of Mississippi, Arkansas State University-Jonesboro and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The inaugural meeting and orientation took place on the campus of the University of Mississippi in Oxford this week.