William Carey University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

William Carey University has 7 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, information technology, financial management, and academic leadership.

Dedicated to fostering academic and leadership potential, William Carey University provides comprehensive undergraduate and graduate education while emphasizing scholarship and service within the global community.

Leadership Roles at William Carey University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Craig Carey
  • Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer - Grant Guthrie
  • President - Benjamin Burnett
  • President - W. Rivers
  • President - J. Noonkester
  • President - I.E. Rouse
  • Chief Information Officer - Jeffrey Andrews
  • Craig Carey - Chief Executive Officer

    Craig Carey, the Chief Executive Officer at William Carey University, directs the overarching institutional strategy to ensure alignment with the mission of fostering academic and leadership potential. Overseeing long-term growth initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to maintain the university's commitment to scholarship and service. This leadership role involves managing the transition to a semester-based calendar starting in Fall 2025 to improve student outcomes. By optimizing resource allocation across osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and nursing programs, Craig Carey drives the institution toward greater societal impact. The Chief Executive Officer monitors global educational trends to keep the university competitive for both traditional and international students. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, Carey secures the financial and operational health necessary for sustained excellence in higher education, ultimately strengthening the university's position as a premier Christian institution.

    Grant Guthrie - Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer

    Grant Guthrie, the Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer at William Carey University, manages the fiscal health and operational resources of the institution. Overseeing the budgeting process for diverse programs including osteopathic medicine and education, the Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial assets support the university's core mission. This role involves optimizing operational expenditures to facilitate the transition to a semester-based calendar. By directing capital investments in campus infrastructure, Grant Guthrie creates an environment conducive to academic success. The Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer coordinates with other executive leaders to align financial planning with long-term strategic goals. Through meticulous oversight of business operations, Guthrie maintains the fiscal stability required for the university to serve both traditional and international students effectively. Ultimately, the Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for continued institutional growth.

    Benjamin Burnett - President

    Benjamin Burnett, the President at William Carey University, leads the academic vision and community engagement efforts for the institution. Overseeing the development of undergraduate and graduate curricula, the President ensures that programs in nursing and education meet the highest standards of scholarship. This role involves fostering partnerships with global community organizations to enhance the university's societal impact. By championing the transition to a semester-based calendar, Benjamin Burnett drives institutional change to better accommodate student needs. The President collaborates with faculty to promote personal growth and leadership potential among the student body. Through active engagement with stakeholders, Burnett strengthens the university's reputation as a Christian institution dedicated to service. The President monitors academic performance metrics to ensure consistent quality across all departments. Ultimately, Burnett guides the university toward achieving its mission of preparing students for meaningful contributions to the global community.

    W. Rivers - President

    W. Rivers, the President at William Carey University, directs the expansion of specialized academic programs, specifically focusing on the growth of the osteopathic medicine and pharmacy departments. Overseeing faculty recruitment and research initiatives, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of medical education. This role involves managing the integration of clinical training partnerships to provide students with practical experience. By aligning academic offerings with industry demands, W. Rivers drives the university's reputation for excellence in health sciences. The President works closely with the Board to secure funding for advanced laboratory facilities and research equipment. Through strategic oversight of the academic calendar transition, Rivers ensures that students in rigorous programs receive consistent support. The President maintains a focus on scholarship and service, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Ultimately, Rivers secures the academic integrity and future success of the university's health-focused programs.

    J. Noonkester - President

    J. Noonkester, the President at William Carey University, oversees the enhancement of student support services and the overall campus experience. Focusing on the transition to a semester-based calendar, the President ensures that student advising and administrative processes remain efficient during this significant shift. This role involves directing initiatives that cater to the needs of international students, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. By promoting programs that emphasize personal growth, J. Noonkester drives the university's commitment to holistic education. The President collaborates with student affairs teams to improve campus life and extracurricular opportunities. Through careful monitoring of student retention and satisfaction, Noonkester identifies areas for improvement in the university's service model. The President maintains a strong connection with the student body to ensure that the institution's mission remains relevant and impactful. Ultimately, Noonkester supports the university's goal of preparing students for leadership roles in their respective fields.

    I.E. Rouse - President

    I.E. Rouse, the President at William Carey University, manages the university's external relations and institutional advancement efforts. Overseeing fundraising campaigns and alumni engagement, the President secures the philanthropic support necessary for campus development and scholarship programs. This role involves representing the university in regional and national educational forums to elevate the institution's profile. By directing outreach efforts, I.E. Rouse drives the recruitment of high-potential students from diverse backgrounds. The President works with the leadership team to ensure that the university's Christian mission remains central to all external communications. Through strategic planning, Rouse aligns institutional advancement with the upcoming transition to a semester-based calendar. The President fosters relationships with donors and community leaders to create new opportunities for student internships and career placement. Ultimately, Rouse strengthens the university's foundation, ensuring that the institution continues to provide high-quality education and service to the global community.

    Jeffrey Andrews - Chief Information Officer

    Jeffrey Andrews, the Chief Information Officer at William Carey University, architects the digital infrastructure required to support modern academic and administrative operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across all campuses. This role involves securing sensitive institutional data while facilitating the technological shift toward a semester-based calendar. By implementing scalable cloud solutions, Jeffrey Andrews enhances the efficiency of research and scholarship initiatives within the university. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic departments to provide robust digital tools for programs in nursing and pharmacy. Through continuous evaluation of emerging educational technologies, Andrews maintains a high-performance environment that supports the university's commitment to student growth. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation to improve the overall educational experience for the entire campus community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding William Carey University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads William Carey University?
    William Carey University is led by Craig Carey (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Grant Guthrie (Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer) and Benjamin Burnett (President).
    Who is part of William Carey University’s executive team?
    The executive team of William Carey University includes leaders such as Craig Carey (Chief Executive Officer), Grant Guthrie (Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer), Benjamin Burnett (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does William Carey University have?
    William Carey University has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in William Carey University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of William Carey University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President.