Bank of Holly Springs

Beckley selected as parade grand marshal

Dr. David L. Beckley will be the grand marshal for the Holly Springs Christmas Parade this Saturday.

The parade begins at 5 p.m. downtown.

Beckley, president of Rust College, is immediate past president of the Holly Springs Main Street Chamber and received the Mississippi Main Street Trailblazer Award earlier this year.

In 2007, under Beckley’s direction, Rust College began the process of bringing Main Street to Holly Springs. Rust College was the financial contributing partner for Holly Springs Main Street’s first three years. Dr. Beckley saw the benefits of becoming a Main Street program and served on the board of directors, including two terms as president, from 2010-2017.

Beckley has given of his time, including the use of his home for Main Street Chamber events, plus sponsoring monthly board meeting breakfasts at Rust College during his tenure as president.

He is married to Dr. Gemma Beckley, and they have two daughters and two grandchildren.

He was recently recognized for 25 years of service as Rust College president. He is the longest-tenured senior college president in Mississippi and is the 11th president of this historic black college.

He graduated from Rust College in 1967 with a Bachelor’s degree and then got his M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Mississippi.

The Main Street Trailblazer Award is named in memory of Paul Coggin. It was established in his honor and is given to an outstanding local board member or volunteer who has been active in a downtown organization for a significant period of time, and who has contributed energy and dedication to downtown revitalization.

Holly Springs South Reporter

P.O. Box 278
Holly Springs, MS 38635
PH: (662) 252-4261
FAX: (662) 252-3388
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