Carter Building and Complex Dedication ceremony

For 25 years from 1987 to 2012,  Dr. Hazo W. Carter, Jr. and Judge Phyllis H. Carter served as the first family of West Virginia State after coming to Institute from Little Rock, Ark., where Dr. Carter had previously served as president of Philander Smith College.

Dr. Carter became the ninth President of what was then West Virginia State College in September 1987. Shortly after becoming President, he began a 12-year quest to regain the school’s land-grant status. With his leadership, West Virginia State was once again recognized on both the state and federal levels as an 1890 land-grant institution with accompanying funding to carry out its mission.

In 2004, West Virginia State gained University status and began offering graduate degrees in Biotechnology and Media Studies. Dr. Carter was also instrumental in the creation of the West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation, the organization that manages grant funds provided to foster research and other projects at State. Dr. Carter became President Emeritus of West Virginia State University in 2012.

During her service at WVSU, Judge Carter was a champion of the arts with a strong passion for and unwavering commitment to history and culture.  For many years, she chaired the University's History and Culture Committee and her work led to the establishment of the Booker T. Washington Institute and the creation of the WVSU National Center for Human Relations.  She represented the University nationally by serving as the minority liaison for 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Institutions, Hispanic Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges to the Council for Agriculture, Research, Extension and Teaching of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges.

An attorney, Judge Carter also served as the Acting Executive Director of the West Virginia Human Rights Commission. She had previously served as an assistant attorney general, executive director of the West Virginia Division of Juvenile Services and as Commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Human Services.

Both Dr. Carter and Judge Carter passed away in 2014.
 

Dr. Hazo W. Carter, Jr. Legacy Scholarship

The Dr. Hazo W. Carter, Jr. Legacy Scholarship was established by the WVSU National Alumni Association upon his retirement and received contributions from numerous alumni, friends and family members. The award is available to any full-time (12 credit hours or more) student with a junior or senior classification.  Students must be a US citizen or permanent resident.  Awarded to a student who resides on campus or a non-traditional student.  Recipients must attain a 2.8 GPA or higher.

 
Judge Phyllis H. Carter Alpha Delta Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Endowed Scholarship
The Judge Phyllis H. Carter Alpha Delta Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Endowed Scholarship was established by the Alpha Delta Chapter of Judge Carter’s beloved sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, and named in her honor. The recipient must be a member of the Alpha Delta Chapter and a full-time student enrolled in a baccalaureate program with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Recipients must be recommended by Alpha Delta Chapter.

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