By Michael Walsh
Connecticut State University System Chancellor David Carter announced last week his plans to retire from his position no later than Sept. of 2011.
“He is an unbelievable leader and he’s done a lot of good work,” said Dr. Laura Tordenti, Vice President of Student Affairs at Central Connecticut State University. “The system was richer for having him.”
Carter, whose career in education has spanned 45 years, informed Governor Jodi Rell of his decision last Tuesday. Carter made the announcement at the end of a press conference at Eastern Connecticut State University highlighting a system-wide 32 percent increase in the number of science majors during the past five years and other expansions to the field.
“I have never been associated with anyone who works harder, cares more deeply, or understands the challenges and opportunities of higher education more thoroughly than David Carter,” said CSUS Board of Trustees Chairman Karl Krapek in a statement regarding Carter’s decision. “Always a man of integrity, honor and relentless determination, he has consistently inspired those who worked with him and set a standard of excellence that we would all do well to aspire to. He has never forgotten his upbringing, or the impact that opportunity can have on a young life.”
In 1988 Carter became the fifth president of ECSU and the first African-American president of a four-year institution of higher education in New England. Carter also served at the University of Connecticut for eleven years in various roles including associate vice president for academic affairs, associate dean in the School of Education and professor of educational administration.
“The landscape of Connecticut higher education has been forever changed by the depth and breadth of David Carter’s remarkable professional accomplishments,” said Lawrence McHugh, chairman of the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees, in a statement. “He is a role model for dedication to higher education and a gifted education leader, one who not only dares to dream, but possesses the talent and tenacity to realize even the most challenging goals. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with him for many years, and I am proud of all that was accomplished during those years.”
Recently, Carter came under some scrutiny when Southern Connecticut State University President Cheryl Norton was controversially fired during the Spring 2010 semester.
Carter will continue to serve as chancellor to allow the Board of Trustees time to select a successor. He has been CSUS chancellor since 2006.