WCU announces new provost, Dr. Noal Cochran
William Carey University is pleased to announce that Dr. Noal Cochran joined its senior leadership team June 17 as provost and vice president of academic affairs.
“Dr. Cochran’s wide professional experience makes him an exceptional choice for this position. In addition to his work as a higher education administrator, his background spans at least five William Carey schools and departments – including the School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences,” said WCU President Dr. Ben Burnett.
Cochran has a bachelor’s degree in polymer science and a master’s degree in science education. He has taught chemistry and psychology at the high school and community college levels, and general psychology at the community college level. He earned his second master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and worked in a variety of positions at Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.
“As an ordained Southern Baptist minister, Dr. Cochran has a connection to our Cooper School of Missions and Ministry Studies – and is deeply committed to the mission of William Carey University,” Burnett said.
“Finally, he was a K-12 school administrator before moving to higher education in 2015 as part of William Carey’s School of Education. We are very happy to welcome him back.”
Cochran returns to William Carey after six years at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was associate dean for Educator Preparation and Accreditation. His work at USM also included serving on dissertation committees. He is an active keynote speaker, appearing more than 30 times at conferences across the nation.
“God has blessed my life’s journey with many doors, some of them narrow and challenging and some of them wide and full of promise. Regardless of the door, I never felt like I walked through it alone. That feeling has never been stronger than now as I return to William Carey University. It is good to be home,” Cochran said.
The selection of a new provost and vice president of academic affairs comes after a lengthy search process. A committee made up of faculty, staff, vice presidents and deans evaluated candidates – finally interviewing six finalists from a large pool of applicants.
Dr. Cochran and his wife, Laura, have been married for 33 years. They live in Hattiesburg and have one daughter, Valorie, a third-year law student at the University of Mississippi School of Law.