Carter named new CTC chancellor

Special to the Leader-Press 

The Central Texas College (CTC) Board of Trustees recently announced it has approved the appointment of Michele Carter, EdD, as the school’s next chancellor. 
Currently serving as deputy chancellor of Finance and Administration, she will begin her new position on July 1 and will be the school’s sixth chancellor and the first female and first African-American to hold the position. Carter will succeed Jim Yeonopolus who is retiring August 31.
Carter began her CTC career 32 years ago as a receptionist. She then started her higher educational pursuits which led to an associate’s degree in General Studies from CTC, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Texas and Master of Business Administration from Tarleton State University. Carter then earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University.
Throughout her career, Carter earned promotions to several administrative and management positions. She also served as an adjunct professor teaching Introduction to Business. In 2005, Carter was named director of Business Services and in 2015 she was appointed deputy chancellor. Her duties included serving as CTC’s chief financial officer, overseeing the college’s administrative and business functions and providing leadership to the Office of College Development. 
In 2020, Carter was named CTC’s first-ever chief diversity officer with a mission of providing an equitable educational opportunity for students and an inclusive environment for the college community. That same year, she assumed responsibility for CTC overseas (Europe, Africa and Middle East) and Navy operations, providing strategic leadership in those areas. During that time, she effectively led CTC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing a cross-functional workgroup of campus professionals and developing procedures and guidelines to maintain the safety of the college community. She was also responsible for the successful restructuring of CTC’s College Development and Foundation department resulting in increased opportunities for students to attend college.
Carter’s professional associations include serving on the advisory board for the Higher Education Research and Development Institute South, member of the Council of College and Military Educators, National Association of Institutions for Military Education Services, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of College and University Business Officers and Texas Association of Community College Business Officers. She is active in her community, serving as president of the Greater Fort Hood Area United Way, member of the board of directors for Communities in Schools - Greater Central Texas and a member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Killeen Community Clinic. She is also a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Killeen Rotary Club and the Modern Study Club. 
“I personally understand the obstacles many students face,” said Carter. “I am dedicated to making education accessible and equitable so all students can experience a clear pathway into the workforce and a better life for them and their families.”