One of the “Great Ladies of Carey” will be retiring this year.
Barbara Loustalot Hamilton graduated from William Carey University in 1958 at the top of her class – a feat she accomplished in only three years. As a student, she served as president of the Baptist Student Union, an officer in the Student Government Association and other campus leadership positions.
Hamilton was also selected as a “Favorite,” a “Beauty,” and “Miss William Carey.”
While still in college, she married Rev. Jackie Carroll Hamilton and assumed the role of a pastor’s wife with enthusiasm.
In 1959, Hamilton began a career in education as an English teacher at Ellisville High School. During 32 years in the classroom, she also taught at Jones County Junior College, Meridian Community College, Mississippi State University and West Point High School, earning awards in English language, literature, and composition.
After Rev. Hamilton passed in 1999, Barbara Hamilton returned to William Carey. She spent a time writing grants for the Office of Development. Since 2003, she has been Executive Assistant to the President, representing Carey in the community and heading up special projects and events.
This spring, WCU conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Hamilton in recognition of her long and dedicated service to the Carey family.
Hamilton planned to retire in August, but that date has been pushed back. At the request of Dr. Ben Burnett, the next president of William Carey University, she has agreed to stay on until December to assist with the transition.
