Dr. Wes Dykes has been named the dean of the Winters School of Music and Ministry Studies at William Carey University.
Dykes joined the Carey faculty in March 2012 as coordinator of the instrumental program, which includes several major performing groups and ensembles. He was successful in growing the program from 18 to 140 students in three years. He directs the Symphonic Winds and the Spirit of Carey, a high-energy indoor winds and percussion group.
“Dr. Dykes has served Carey faithfully for the past several years and has been instrumental in the growth of the music program; he also served churches in the Hattiesburg area during this time,” said WCU President Tommy King. “We look forward to continued growth and development of the music and ministry programs under his leadership.”
Dykes is originally from Pensacola, Florida. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s degree in music education/conducting from the University of South Carolina, and a DMA in conducting from the University of Southern Mississippi.
He has taught and served in schools and churches for more than 25 years. Every school and church he has served has experienced growth. Dr. Dykes is a member of National Association for Music Education, the National Band Association, and the Metro Music Ministers Group. He also serves as the worship pastor of Hardy Street Baptist Church in Hattiesburg.
“I believe the Christian university is the last best hope to reach students with the Gospel before going out into the world,” said Dykes. “I want as many students as possible to come to Carey, learn their craft, come to know the Lord or grow in Him, and then go out and change their world. My heart for the School of Music and Ministry Studies is that we would have one goal – excellence (in education and performance) and one passion – Jesus (in worship and service).
His wife, Michelle, is actively involved in all areas of music education and ministry. She teaches clarinet and voice at William Carey University and a woodwind group called “Grace Notes.” They have two children, Kyle and Haley, who both attend Carey. Kyle is a senior music education major, and Haley is a freshmen elementary education major.
Dykes replaces Dr. Don Odom, who passed away in November 2017. “The Winters School of Music and Ministry Studies was blessed with strong visionary leadership in its past, and currently has a great group of faculty and students that have this same strength,” said Dykes. “The School of Music and Ministry Studies is steeped in wonderful traditions that should continue to be embraced while at the same time embarking into new areas of education and performance to reach our changing world with the unchanging gospel.”