WCU awards honorary degrees
William Carey University awarded honorary degrees to First Lady Deborah Bryant and philanthropist Joe Frank Sanderson Jr. during commencement on May 13 at the Hattiesburg campus.
Bryant was presented the Doctor of Humane Letters for her outstanding work with children's literacy and her dedication to helping the people of Louisville, Mississippi, when a devastating tornado struck the town in 2014. Bryant was in Louisville when the tornado hit, and rather than return home, she chose to stay and help with relief efforts. During the first year of her husband's term as governor, Mrs. Bryant visited all 82 counties as part of her "Read Across Mississippi" program to promote literacy and bring attention to reading disorders. During each visit she spent time reading to school children. Bryant retired from St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson with more than 39 years of service. She is an ambassador for Batson Children's Hospital in Jackson, participates in multiple awareness campaigns for childhood diseases, and is involved in the governor's teen pregnancy task force. Bryant is also dedicated to the preservation of the 1842 Mississippi governor's mansion and oversees the daily operation and operation of the mansion.
Joe Frank Sanderson Jr. was awarded the Doctor of Business in recognition of his family's philanthropic work over many decades. Sanderson is the chief executive officer and chairman of the board for Sanderson Farms in Laurel. He and his wife, Kathy, recently contributed $1.1 million to William Carey University, which is the largest gift by an individual in the institution's history. The Sandersons' gift will help defray the startup costs for a school of pharmacy at the Tradition campus in Biloxi. Sanderson is credited with saving the Magnolia Classic, the only Professional Golf Association tour event played in Mississippi. Sanderson Farms is the title sponsor for the tournament, which benefits Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital in Jackson. In January 2015, the Sanderson Family Farms Championship made a record donation of $1,102,700 to the children's hospital. The gift will be used to expand the hospital's Children's Heart Center.
"William Carey depends on alumni and other supporters in order to provide strong academic and enrichment programs," said WCU President Tommy King. "Supporters like first Lady Bryant and Joe Frank and Kathy Sanderson are vital to the success of William Carey University."