WCU names Brett Golson VP of strategic operations
William Carey University announces the promotion of Dr. Brett Golson to vice president of strategic operations.
In his new role, Golson will provide leadership for a number of WCU departments, including Admissions, Recruiting, International Student Affairs, Media Relations and Marketing, Alumni Engagement, Veteran and Military Affairs, and Church Relations.
WCU President Dr. Ben Burnett said Golson has a heart for Carey.
“Dr. Golson is a Carey graduate – most of his family are Carey grads. He has done a tremendous job for more than a decade. His passion has resulted in broad knowledge and skill in marketing the university. In this new position, he will be an advocate for all of our fantastic employees who promote WCU and attract new students,” Burnett said.
Golson previously served as vice president for Spiritual Development and Church Relations and dean of the Cooper School of Missions and Ministry Studies.
In his work with the Cooper School, Golson launched the Intercultural Studies major, which allows students to study missions while pursuing a double major in their chosen professional field. He also developed the Cross-Cultural Business Management major in collaboration with the School of Business, the Christian Ministries major, and the Arabic Language and Culture program.
In 2014, Golson received the HEADWAE Outstanding Faculty Award established by the Mississippi State Legislature. He was voted WCU Faculty Member of the Year in 2013 and 2018 and honored as Administrator of the Year in 2024.
“With Carey’s commitment to keeping college affordable, we must do all we can to keep administrative costs low. Dr. Golson’s promotion is one of several personnel changes involving fantastic leaders who are already on campus, making it unnecessary to hire more people,” Burnett said.
Golson holds bachelor’s degrees from William Carey University and the University of Southern Mississippi. He earned master’s degrees in divinity and theology, and a doctorate in expository preaching, from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Before joining WCU in 2012, Golson was a full-time pastor and adjunct professor at Mississippi State University.
Over the course of his career, he has led 35 mission trips overseas and many trips in the United States.
Golson and his wife, Karen, have four married children. They are active members of Hardy Street Baptist Church, where Golson also serves on staff. They enjoy hosting college students in their home and being grandparents to 11 grandchildren – and counting.