May 2025 Membership Luncheon with Dr. Ben Burnett, President of William Carey University
May 14, 2025
Join us as we host Dr. Ben Burnett, President of William Carey University to our May 2025 Membership Luncheon
Dr. Ben Burnett is the 10th President of William Carey University, having assumed the role on August 16, 2022. Prior to his presidency, Dr. Burnett served as WCU’s Executive Vice-President and Dean of Education, where he led the School of Education to an enrollment of 1,800 students.
Dr. Burnett’s career in education began in 1986 as an assistant high school band director. He later became the band director at Oak Grove High School, expanding the band from 50 to over 220 members. In 1997, he transitioned into administration as Principal of Oak Grove Middle School, earning recognition as Mississippi’s Middle School Principal of the Year. In 2007, he was elected Superintendent of the Lamar County School District, where he led the district to an “A” rating and secured numerous state and federal grants.
Dr. Burnett holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, all from the University of Southern Mississippi. He has been married to Denice Burnett for 35 years, and they have one son, David Lane Burnett, a graduate of William Carey University and resident of D’Iberville, Ms
