Mississippi Humanities Council honors WCU’s Brandon Knight

Dr. Brandon Knight of William Carey University is the recipient of a 2026 Humanities Teacher of the Year award from the Mississippi Humanities Council.

Knight is an associate professor of Strategic Communication and Leadership and director of WCU’s speech and debate program. He also collaborates with the Cooper School of Missions and Ministry Studies on a variety of projects.

WCU hosted a reception in Knight’s honor in March, when he presented his research paper entitled, “Freedom to Save the Body (of Christ).”

“My paper is an analysis of a homily presented by the archbishop of San Francisco, Salvatore Cordileone. He delivered his remarks in 2022 during ‘Walk for Life West Coast’ – just a few months before Roe v. Wade was overturned,” Knight said.

“From my research, I argue that his discourse style transitions into the prophetic voice because he understands abortion as a sign that fundamental Christian beliefs about life have been corrupted.”

Dr. Tim Matheny, dean of the WCU School of Arts & Letters, said Knight is a deserving recipient of this honor.

“His commitment to outstanding teaching, tireless advocacy for speech and debate in Mississippi’s secondary schools, and ongoing research and publication make him an excellent choice,” Matheny said.

Dr. Brandon Knight addresses colleagues during an awards reception in his honor. The complete name of his research paper is, “Freedom to Save the Body (of Christ): False Wisdom, True Wisdom, and the Rhetorical Chemotherapy of Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone.”