William Carey University will hold an inauguration ceremony for Dr. Tommy King, the ninth president of the 100-year-old institution Monday, beginning at 2 p.m. in Smith Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus.
King, the first graduate of Carey to be named president, comes to the position with more than 30 years of experience in public education from elementary to university levels. At Carey he has served as dean of the school of psychology and counseling, vice president for graduate and off-campus programs, professor of psychology and executive vice president. King served as acting president following the death of Dr. Larry W. Kennedy in September 2006. He was elected president by the board of trustees in February.
An inaugural worship service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, at 38th Avenue Baptist Church, located at 419 N. 38th Ave. A reception hosted by the church and honoring King and his wife will follow.
The inauguration Monday will follow Carey’s annual Honors Day convocation which begins at 10 a.m. followed by a picnic. The Sumrall High School Band will play in front of Tatum Court prior to the inauguration ceremony.
Many local and state dignitaries will participate, including WCU Board of Trustees Chairman Stan Burton, Hattiesburg Mayor Dr. Johnny Dupree, USM President Emeritus Dr. Aubrey Lucas, Executive Director-Treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board Dr. Jim Futral and Mississippi College President Dr. Lee Royce. The Honorable Charles Pickering, retired judge, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, will present the inaugural address.
WCU President Emeritus Dr. J. Ralph Noonkester and Burton will conduct the oath of office and investiture.
Other events include tours of Donnell Hall, which houses the Center for the Study of the Life and Work of William Carey and the Clarence Dickinson Special Collection which includes many books, art and other memorabilia of Clarence Dickinson, who is known as the dean of American church music. Tours are from 12:15-1:30 p.m. Monday.
More than 25 delegates from colleges, universities, learned societies and organizations have planned to attend and others have sent greetings and congratulations. The WCU Board of Trustees will join the formal processional.
The grandson of the founder of the town of Sumrall, King was unanimously chosen by the WCU Board of Trustees as the ninth president. He received a bachelor’s degree from William Carey College, master’s degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Southern Mississippi and a doctorate in education from the University of Southern Mississippi.
In addition to formerly maintaining a private counseling practice, King has served in many leadership roles in the field of education. He maintains membership in numerous professional organizations also including serving as a diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association. Among his many honors, King was named Columbia’s Outstanding Citizen in 1989. He is also a Lion’s Club International Foundation Melvin Jones Fellow. Fellow recipients are recognized for their outstanding humanitarian work.
King is married to Sandra Simmons King of Mt. Herman, La., and together they have a son Dave and two grandsons, Chris and Andrew.
Local News
WCU plans inauguration for ninth president
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