William Carey University dedicates Fordham Place

William Carey University supporters gathered Jan. 27 for the dedication of the school’s latest building project, Fordham Place – new townhouses for medical students named in honor of longtime trustee Gary Fordham, who passed away in May 2023.

“Great men seldom rise to greatness by lifting themselves up. They rise by lifting those around them. It’s impossible to overstate the energy Gary brought to a meeting – his ability to listen, to analyze with passion and wisdom,” said Dr. Jimmy Stewart, WCU trustee and pastor of First Baptist Church Gulfport.

Fordham’s daughter, Haley Fordham McCool, spoke on behalf of her family.

“Dad didn’t like the spotlight. He liked to work behind the scenes. He might have shied away from seeing his name on a building, but as a family, we are incredibly honored to have his work recognized in this way,” McCool said.

The Fordham family has deep ties to William Carey University.

In 1953, Mississippi Woman’s College became a co-educational school with a new name, William Carey College. Gary Fordham’s father, W.A., newly returned from service in World War II, was the first male student to enroll. While W.A. pursued a degree in theological studies, he and his bride, Ethel, lived in a little apartment above a grocery store just off campus. In time, they welcomed a son, Gary Fordham.

Gary grew up to became a successful businessman, first in manufactured housing, where he took his company public, then in real estate development – building homes and communities. He found his passion in faith, family and service to his church. He was also a trustee for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and William Carey University, where he served for 17 years.

“While Dad did not follow in his father’s footsteps when it came to a career, he always thought it was a great honor to serve the church his father pastored for more than 30 years and where he pursued his education – William Carey and the seminary,” McCool said.

WCU President Dr. Ben Burnett said Fordham helped guide the university through pivotal changes.

“As a trustee, he was key in the development and expansion of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. That was something many people thought we couldn’t do – now it’s the largest medical school in the state,” Burnett said.

“In 2017, he helped steer the university’s recovery after a tornado destroyed or damaged almost every building on the Hattiesburg campus. His deep commitment helped William Carey become what it is today.”

Over the years, Gary Fordham’s family has been well-represented in WCU’s student body by his wife, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at WCU, his daughter, who holds a master’s degree in business administration, his brother, and a niece studying at Carey now.