The Tommy and Sandra King Student Center was dedicated March 26 at William Carey University’s Hattiesburg campus. Dr. Jimmy Stewart, vice chairman of the WCU Board of Trustees, spoke to those gathered for the ceremony.
“The King Student Center makes a statement, not only to our students but to our community, about the value we place on the student, the student’s development, and the potential that each possesses to go out and change the world,” Stewart said.
“The opening of this building is also a chance to recognize our president, Dr. Tommy King, and his wife, Sandra – both graduates of William Carey University. Our hearts are filled with love and appreciation for their years of sacrifice and service to William Carey University.”
Since Dr. King became president in 2007, the number of students has doubled, from 2,500 to more than 5,000. During the same time, the number of residential students in Hattiesburg tripled, six new dorms opened, and many new programs were established.
“Choose one word”In his remarks, Carey Scholar Bryson Rogers said King’s professional accomplishments tell only part of the story.
“When I began preparing for this speech, Dr. King, I went around campus asking students to choose one word that expresses what you mean to them. And these are some of the words they shared – dedicated, visionary, eloquent, genuine, friendly, wise, welcoming, perseverant, optimistic, personable, considerate, hospitable, caring, supportive, thoughtful, approachable, gentle, and kind,” Rogers said.
“I also heard stories about students touring the school for the first time, and their most memorable moment was when you came up to talk and express a personal interest in them. I heard a story about how you brought up the specifics of a conversation you'd had with a student more than a year earlier.
“All of these personal stories reinforce that you are present, you do not isolate yourself from us, you dine in the same cafeteria we do, you live life among us, you take time for people.”
Valerie Bridgeforth is WCU’s vice president for student support.
“In this building, our students will develop spiritually, emotionally and intellectually. To say that we are appreciative doesn't seem to capture the importance of this moment,” Bridgeforth said.
“We’re here for the students”For his part, King said: “I'm feeling excited, but unworthy. We've never had a student center in the history of William Carey University. We're here for the students, and we finally have a building that's dedicated to them.”
The ceremony was followed by tours of the building. Here’s a look at what’s inside:
First floor
- Baptist Student Union Campus Ministries
- Student Meeting Room: Large event space with catering kitchen
- Administrative offices for Information Technology Department
Second floor
- Carey Diner: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Game Room: Pool tables, ping-pong tables, board games, large-screen TV and recliners
- Large balcony with picnic tables and rocking chairs
- Three student lounges
Third floor
- Student Services office
- Residence Life and Housing office
- Student Life office: Decals and IDs
- Conference room
- Two study rooms
- Computer lab
