Theatre began in 1974 as the "Carey Summer Showcase" under the management of Obra Quave. The longest-running dinner theatre in the state of Mississippi (30+ years), CDT brings professional summer theatre to WCU and the surrounding community. Two CDT alumni (Phillip Fortenberry and Keith Thompson) have gone onto professional Broadway music careers. CDT produces two shows per summer, normally light-hearted comedies or musicals. School of Nursing The Joseph and Nancy Fail School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, by the board of trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning of the State of Mississippi, and approved in New Orleans by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Best Degree Programs ranked William Carey University's online RN to BSN nursing program as #6 on the list of 30 most affordable programs at private universities. William Carey University is ranked as having one of the nation's most affordable online nursing programs. Best Degree Programs ranked William Carey University's online RN (Registered nurse) to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) nursing program sixth on the list of the 30 most affordable programs at private universities. School of Pharmacy The School of Pharmacy anticipates its inaugural class starting in July 2018, pending approval for Precandidate Status from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. The inaugural class of 58 students had orientation at the Tradition Campus on July 19-20th of 2018. The three-story, 33,000-square-foot Pharmacy Building has a price tag of $7 million. Carey has an accelerated program that last two years and 10 months. Students will be taking classes year-round in four terms of 10 weeks each. Carey's is one of only 11 accelerated programs in the nation. It is the only such program in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. Student life The Student Government Association, SGA, is the head of all campus organizations. The SGA hosts Welcome Week, Homecoming Week (along with the Alumni office), and various activities throughout the year. In addition to activities, the SGA works as a liaison between the students and administration. William Carey University operates in accordance with its Baptist affiliation and has many programs for its 4000 students. CareyBSU offers Bible studies, ministry to the surrounding area and apartments, mission opportunities, and "Priority Lunch." It also offers CampusLink which is a worship service time. The university is served by a newspaper, The Cobbler, which publishes once a month and alternates between a print and online edition.