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William Carey University marked its 50th anniversary on the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Oct. 14 – by breaking ground for residential student housing at its Tradition campus.
“This is a growing area, but there aren’t many housing options for our students near the Tradition campus. We want to recruit more people to this campus and help build an economic workforce,” said WCU President Ben Burnett.
“But this residential facility is about much more than buildings. It’s about creating a stronger campus community, expanding opportunities for students, and providing an environment where young people can grow academically, personally, and spiritually.”
Phase 1 of the project includes six townhome units, housing up to 24 students. It is expected to be complete in fall 2027. A second phase will add six more townhomes.
Dr. Ladd Taylor, vice president of WCU-Tradition, said it makes sense to invest in the Mississippi Gulf Coast – home to two of the state’s largest cities.
“It’s going to change the dynamics of the campus. Our pharmacy program is second to none. We also have a large number of education and nursing graduates every year. Here at the Tradition campus, William Carey is helping the state in critical areas of need,” Taylor said.
The university’s long-range plans include new development in large sections of the 50 acres available to the Tradition campus.
WCU’s first Gulf Coast campus, known as “Carey on the Coast,” opened in 1976, when the university purchased 20 acres of beachfront property in Gulfport, the former Gulf Coast Military Academy property. Hurricane Katrina destroyed the campus and the university rebuilt 15 miles inland in the Tradition community.
For more information, visit www.wmcarey.edu/campus/tradition.
William Carey University’s Tradition campus welcomed Gulf Coast leaders Oct. 14 to share in the ground-breaking ceremony for new townhome housing for students. A reception followed at Canizaro Hall. Phase 1 of the project is expected to be complete by fall 2027.
William Carey University’s Tradition campus welcomed Gulf Coast leaders to share in the ground-breaking ceremony for new townhome housing for students. Phase 1 of the project is expected to be complete by fall 2027. Pictured, from left, are: Zach Grady, Miss. State Representative District 115; Jeffery Hulum III, Miss. State Representative District 119; Hugh Keating, Mayor of Gulfport; Andrew “FoFo” Gillich, Mayor of Biloxi; Ryan Lopiccolo, Executive Vice President, The Village at Tradition; Dr. Ben Burnett, President, William Carey University; Dr. Ladd Taylor, Vice President, WCU Tradition Campus; Bob Blevins, Construction Director, WCU; Dr. Cassandra Connor, retired Dean, WCU Tradition Campus; Dr. Myron Noonkester, Chair, WCU Department of History; Dr. Jimmy Stewart, WCU Board Member; Dr. Daniel Caldwell, Professor of Religion, WCU; Grant Guthrie, CFO, WCU; Dr. Noal Cochran, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, WCU; and Mike Seymour, Miss. State Senator Representative, District 47.
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