Donor Spotlight: William and Carole West

Donor Spotlight: William and Carole West

Portrait of Dr. Bill and Mrs. Carole West hanging at the entrance of the West Wing.

(Courtesy of William and Carole West)

On May 17, 2019, United Theological Seminary dedicated the “West Wing” to the glory of God and in honor of Dr. William (Bill) and Mrs. Carole West of Memphis, TN, and in memory of their parents Dr. Tom and Mrs. Margaret West and Mr. Kemmons and Mrs. Dorothy Wilson. The “West Wing,” which is technically the south end of the building, houses the Seminary’s academic offices and classrooms.

Academic Dean David Watson and President Kent Millard unveil the West Wing sign and portrait, while Mr. Jim Tharp, Board of Trustees Chair, and Bill and Carole West look on.

(United Theological Seminary)

Carole is the daughter of Kemmons Wilson, the innovative founder of Holiday Inn, who saw the need for a familyfriendly hotel chain as he traveled the country. Carole met and married a man with a similar passion for finding creative solutions to help people.

After losing his mother to breast cancer, Bill founded the West Cancer Center and Research Institute to provide world-class cancer treatment and research capabilities in his hometown of Memphis, TN.

Now focusing on preventative treatments, Bill is taking healthcare to the patients through mobile clinics and nutritious meal options to promote long-term health.

Carole served on United’s Board of Trustees from 1991 to 1999. She and Bill have given generously to the Seminary over the years, most notably to support United’s move to its current campus and now to help United become debt free through the Burn the Mortgage campaign. Their generosity has been foundational in securing a strong future for United to prepare faithful, fruitful leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ for years to come.

“Dr. Bill and Mrs. Carole West have been exceedingly generous in the way they live their lives, always caring for those around them,” says President Kent Millard. “We thank God for Bill and Carole!”

Mrs. Callie Picardo, VP for Development; Rev. Tim Forbess, United Ambassador; Mrs. Carole West; Dr. Bill West; Mrs. Cheri Millard and President Kent Millard following the dedication of the newly named West Wing.

(United Theological Seminary)