William Carey honors Deborah Bryant and Sanderson Farm executive with doctorate degrees

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - A portion of this article is from a press release by William Carey University.

William Carey University conferred honorary degrees to Deborah Bryant and Joe Frank Sanderson III during their commencement.

The Doctor of Humane Letters was awarded to Deborah Bryant in recognition of her outstanding work with children’s literacy and her work in the aftermath of the devastating tornado that struck Louisville, MS, in 2014.

During the first year of her husband’s term as governor, Mrs. Bryant visited every county in Mississippi to promote literacy and spent time reading to school children on each visit.

Joe Frank Sanderson III, CEO and chairman of the board of Sanderson Farms will received the Doctor of Business in recognition of his family’s philanthropic work over many decades.

Sanderson is credited with saving the Magnolia Classic, the only professional golf tournament played in Mississippi.

He also has contributed to Children’s Hospital at the University Medical Center and to numerous colleges and universities throughout the state.

Carey President Tommy King said, "We're always proud to be associated with governor's wife and Joe Frank just right up the highway here in Laurel, we are very proud to be identified with them."

Governor Phil Bryant was this year's speaker.