William Carey University announces a new partnership with the International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention. The signing ceremony for the agreement was April 26 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center.
The WCU-IMB partnership will foster opportunities for William Carey University’s faculty and students to serve internationally in healthcare missions, encourage students to commit to mission work after completion of training, and allow IMB to provide vision and enable pathways of service.
“Each generation must take up the Great Commission challenge to reach the nations. IMB’s partnership with William Carey University has deepened over the years and will only be further strengthened through this new avenue to send students, and particularly healthcare workers, to the nations,” said Todd Lafferty, IMB’s executive vice president.
Through WCU’s Cooper School of Missions & Ministry, students called to serve can major in Intercultural Studies (missions) – and pair it as a double-major with any other discipline offered by the university.
“Many of our students choose to double-major in Intercultural Studies and pre-medicine or nursing. Intercultural Studies gives students the cultural competencies needed to serve in a multicultural healthcare environment, while our internship program allows students to receive credit while serving in a rural or international setting,” said Dr. Brett Golson, dean of the Cooper School.
“Intercultural Studies graduates may also choose to continue their education through one of William Carey’s professional healthcare options, like the College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Pharmacy or Doctor of Physical Therapy program.”
Physician Rebekah Naylor, director of health strategies for the International Mission Board, said the WCU-IMB partnership will be fruitful for years to come.
“As students and faculty have opportunities to serve internationally through IMB and as students, especially in healthcare disciplines, are called and equipped to serve in missions, there will be a great impact on the advance of God’s Kingdom,” Naylor said.
For more information, email cooperschool@wmcarey.edu or call (601) 318-6115.
In the photo:Attending the WCU-IMB signing ceremony were, from left: Dr. Jimmy Stewart, chairman of the WCU Board of Trustees; Sandra King; WCU President Dr. Tommy King; Dr. Brett Golson, dean of the WCU Cooper School of Missions and Ministry; Dr. Rebekah Naylor, IMB director of health strategies; Dr. Janet Williams, WCU associate vice president for health programs; and Dr. Emily Scott, WCU associate dean of undergraduate nursing.
