William Carey University mourns the passing of President Emeritus Tommy King, whose wisdom guided the university for more than 15 years — overseeing explosive growth in student enrollment and visionary expansions in programming and infrastructure.
“Dr. King’s love for William Carey University was unmatched and his leadership took us to another level. His lifetime of service in the field of education, and with the Baptist churches of Mississippi, changed the lives of Mississippians for generations,” said WCU President Ben Burnett.
“His vision inspired all who were fortunate to work alongside him — and the impact he had on all of us is immeasurable. I count myself blessed to have worked directly under his leadership for the last 10 years of my career and I am humbled to follow in his footsteps as president of William Carey University.”
King, 82, died Nov. 22 at Forrest General — Asbury Hospice Center, surrounded by his family and lifted up in prayer by people all over the state of Mississippi.
The first Carey graduate to be named president, King came to the position with more than 30 years of experience in public education from elementary to university levels. At WCU, he served earlier as dean of the school of psychology and counseling, vice president for graduate and off-campus programs, professor of psychology, and executive vice president.
Under his leadership as president, a new 50-acre campus was established in Biloxi after Hurricane Katrina. The Hattiesburg campus grew from 135 acres to 170 acres. The College of Osteopathic Medicine opened in 2010, the Doctorate in Physical Therapy program began in fall 2016, and a new College of Health Sciences Building opened in July 2021. At the Tradition campus, the School of Pharmacy accepted its first students in 2018 and, in the same year, WCU cut the ribbon on Scianna Hall — an academic building that also boasts a large community meeting place.
The number of sports teams increased from six to 18, and the university offered new degrees and online/hybrid classes. Enrollment more than doubled during King’s tenure.
Finally, it was King whose steady heart, and faith in God, guided the Carey family’s steps after an EF-3 tornado devastated the Hattiesburg campus in February 2017.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and published by the Baptist Record.
