Millsaps College is honored to welcome Bishop William T. (Bill) McAlilly back to campus as our new Bishop in Residence. A proud graduate and member of the Millsaps Athletic Hall of Fame, Bishop McAlilly brings decades of pastoral leadership, denominational service and visionary ministry to his alma mater.
In this role, Bishop McAlilly will work closely with the Millsaps Center for Ministry, focusing on clergy coaching, mentoring and leading workshops and retreats that support local churches across Mississippi and beyond. His presence will strengthen the college’s connection to faith communities and offer vital resources to clergy navigating today’s challenges in ministry.
He will also serve as an ambassador-at-large, helping connect alumni and supporters who share a passion for the Millsaps mission. His leadership and legacy will inspire a new generation of students and church leaders committed to justice, compassion and service.
A native of Mississippi, Bishop McAlilly earned his Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Millsaps and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1979 and as an Elder in 1982 in the United Methodist Church.
1977’s Most Valuable Player for the Majors, Bill McAlilly, jersey #63 (third row, 4th from right).
Over the course of his ministry, Bishop McAlilly has served in a wide range of settings, from small rural churches to large urban congregations. He also played a key leadership role in disaster response following Hurricane Katrina as District Superintendent of the Seashore District of the Mississippi Conference.
In 2012, he was elected bishop and served for 12 years as the resident bishop of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. His leadership extended globally, including service as Chair of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at Emory University.
Under his leadership, the Nashville Episcopal Area helped establish the Mama Lynn Center in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a sanctuary for women seeking healing and restoration. Named in honor of his wife Lynn, the center reflects the couple’s shared commitment to compassion and justice.
The McAlillys have been married since 1978 and are the proud parents of two adult children and five grandchildren.
Millsaps College is thrilled to welcome him home and looks forward to the wisdom, energy, and care he brings to our campus and the wider church community.