Winters School of Music welcomes new leadership

William Carey University announces two leadership changes at the Winters School of Music. Dr. Brandon Hardin is the new dean of music. Dr. Travis Coakley is the new associate dean of music.

These changes follow Dr. Wesley Dykes’s promotion to a newly created role as WCU’s vice president for student engagement. Before then, Dykes had served as dean of the Winters School of Music since 2018.

“When WCU President Ben Burnett asked me to accept the role of vice president in an area expanding so quickly, I recommended Dr. Hardin as dean, and Dr. Coakley as associate dean, without hesitation,” Dykes said.

“These leaders will complement each other as they move the Winters School of Music forward to even higher levels of achievement. Their strong work ethic and Christian character will inspire many for years to come!"

Dean of Music: Dr. Brandon Hardin

Dr. Brandon Hardin joined the WCU faculty in fall 2020. Before his promotion to dean of the Winters School of Music, he served as its chair of operations and worship studies.

In this capacity, he managed the details, large and small, for more than 200 music events. He and Dr. Dykes put the Carey Worship Choir on the national stage, with Hardin coordinating the details of their appearance at the 2023 Southern Baptist Convention meeting in New Orleans and recent performances for the Southern Baptist Church Music Conference. He also arranged recording partnerships with top Christian music publishers.

Hardin has been instrumental in refining the worship studies program – which has more than doubled in size under his leadership. He has mentored students serving all over the country. Tuscan Studios, a state-of-the-art recording studio, opened in fall 2022.

“God is doing something special at Carey, and I am grateful to be a part of it. My goal for students is to equip them to become the best version of who God has called them to be,” Hardin said.

Hardin brings a blend of talents to his new role. He is a music graduate of Delta State University and has a master’s degree in conducting from Southern Oregon University. He also earned a doctor of educational ministry degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been a band director at public schools, a full-time minister, and a faculty member at Blue Mountain Christian University.

Hardin and his wife, Kristy, have five children. The family attends Carterville Baptist Church in Petal, where he serves as worship pastor.

Associate Dean of Music: Dr. Travis Coakley

Dr. Travis Coakley has been named associate dean of the Winters School of Music. He joined the Carey family in 2023.

Before that, he spent 20 years as a high school band director at public schools in Florida, South Carolina and Mississippi. He was director of fine arts and bands for the Biloxi Public School District when, one day, Dr. Wes Dykes called.

“I already had a relationship with Carey. Winters School music faculty visited and Carey musical ensembles performed at my campus. I sent students to WCU for concerts. I was also an adjunct professor for William Carey when Dr. Dykes called and asked if I would consider a full-time position,” Coakley said.

“After a time of prayer and consideration, I accepted the offer, and became WCU’s chair of instrumental activities and music education.”

In this role, he supervises the band department, which has grown more than 80 percent in two years. The Spirit of Carey marching band has almost 200 members. Winters School of Music has three concert bands – Symphonic Winds, Wind Symphony and Concert Band. A new jazz ensemble will debut in the fall. The annual Carey Honor Band Clinic attracts more than 300 high school students from across the region and the high school jazz festival is entering its fifth year.

A music graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Coakley also earned advanced music degrees from USM, Auburn University and William Carey University.

Coakley and his wife, Selina, have three children and attend First Baptist Church in Gulfport.