WCU announces promotions
William Carey University announces promotions within its leadership team for three administrators: Dr. Garry Breland, Dr. Ben Burnett and Dr. Teresa Poole.
“We are fortunate to have these talented, highly qualified people in new leadership positions at William Carey University. I congratulate them and look forward to working with them to help shape the future of our university,” said WCU President Dr. Tommy King.
Dr. Garry BrelandBreland joined WCU in 2007 as vice president for academic affairs. In 2019, he was awarded a second title, associate provost. With this most recent announcement, Breland has been elevated to the position of vice president for academic affairs and provost. Before coming to WCU, Breland was vice president for academic affairs at Hannibal-LaGrange University in Hannibal, Mo. He holds a bachelor’s degree from William Carey University and master’s and doctoral degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Dr. Ben BurnettBurnett joined WCU in 2014 as dean of the School of Education after serving as superintendent of the Lamar County School District since 2008. Burnett has now been named acting executive vice president and will also continue in his role as dean of the School of Education. He is also executive director for the Program for Research and Evaluation of Public Schools (PREPS), a statewide consortium of public schools. He holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Dr. Teresa PoolePoole joined WCU in 2018 as chair of curriculum and instruction for the School of Education. She has now been named associate dean of the School of Education. Before coming to WCU, she served as a science teacher, principal, curriculum director, and associate superintendent in three Mississippi public school districts. Poole holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Jackson State University and a doctoral degree from the University of Mississippi.
