Clinton School student William Jeter (’11) spoke today at a meeting of the Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus about his life growing up and working in the Delta region.
Jeter was among a prestigous group of speakers at the conference, including Gov. Mike Beebe, Senator Blanche Lincoln and Congressmen John Boozman and Mike Ross, among others.
Jeter recounted his experience growing up in Pine Bluff and spending time on his family’s farm in nearby Wabbaseka before crossing the river to attend college at the University of Mississippi.
“The truth is that I spent nearly my entire life living in the delta,” Jeter said. “It’s what I know and it’s what I love.”
Jeter has taken his passion for the Delta into his work at the Clinton School, he said. He and three of his classmates spent this year working in the Delta town of Newport, where they helped plan a new Delta visual arts center to help revitalize the downtown there.
“It has been an absolute blessing to work in Newport,” Jeter said. “As it turns out, the committee my team works with in Newport and the citizens of the town are just like the rest of us from delta towns.”
Jeter charged the group to work to get college students more involved in projects in the Delta region.
Developing and retaining talent for the region is important for economic development in Delta communities, Jeter said.
“Given the need to recruit and retain young leadership in the Delta, how impactful would it be if leaders such as you could get together to engage these students,” Jeter said.
Before attending the Clinton School, Jeter worked in public affairs, wealth management and financial services and volunteered with the Arkansas Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and Bikes for Tykes, among other organizations.
He said he plans to channel his public service experience into give back to the region he loves.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have a network of support there that nurtures my desire to work in the delta, but also challenges me to do more,” Jeter said. “The program has allowed me the opportunity to apply the things I already know while equipping me with the skills necessary to succeed in the future.”
We’ll post video of Jeter’s speech soon.