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This summer will see a change of leadership at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Carey University’s Tradition campus in Biloxi.

After decades of service to K-12 and higher education on the Gulf Coast, Dr. Cassandra Conner is retiring. Stepping into her current role as vice president of ºìÐÓÊÓƵ-Tradition is Dr. Ladd Taylor, longtime vice president of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Perkinston campus.

The change will take effect July 1.

“During his 23 years at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Dr. Taylor has served in a wide variety of roles – residence life, admissions, athletics and vice president of MGCCC’s home campus. He will be able to make an immediate impact on our Biloxi campus with his knowledge of higher education on the Gulf Coast,” said ºìÐÓÊÓƵ President Dr. Ben Burnett.

“He is also a two-time graduate of ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Carey. We are proud of what he has accomplished and eager to welcome him home to his alma mater.”

Dr. Taylor and his family are preparing for the transition.

“I’m ready to forge a new path in my career journey. I was honored to earn specialist and doctoral degrees in higher education administration at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Carey – and I’m excited to re-join the Carey family now. The potential for growth at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ’s Tradition campus is promising and I’m looking forward to being part of it,” Taylor said.

The Tradition campus now accounts for more than 20 percent of ºìÐÓÊÓƵ’s enrollment. The campus has expanded over the last eight years, adding two new buildings, Scianna Hall and Sanderson Hall – the latter custom-designed to be home to the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ School of Pharmacy.

More infrastructure improvements are in the planning stage. They include a full-service cafeteria, nursing simulation lab and residential housing for students.

“Dr. Conner has overseen significant growth at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ-Tradition. We are sad to see someone of her reputation and commitment to education leave. But we are thankful for her many years of work and accomplishments,” Burnett said.

To learn more about ºìÐÓÊÓƵ-Tradition, visit wmcarey.edu/tradition.