By Gerard Flanagan, news writer and photographer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University has named its first Associate Vice President for Community and Student Success – Dr. Michelle Carter.
One of Carter’s key responsibilities in the position is to collaborate with university leadership to emphasize diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) principles across CU.
Carter, who is being promoted from her previous role as CU’s Executive Director of Academic Support, will promote student retention, fostering a sense of belonging and building a community of support for students from diverse backgrounds as part of her new position.
“I am humbled and honored to serve in the inaugural role of AVP for Community and Student Success at CU!” Carter said.
“As an institution of higher learning, CU continues to distinguish itself for its quality academic programs and the strides it makes around inclusive excellence.”
In her role, Carter described herself as “an advocator, an educator, an advisor, a change-maker and an influencer.”
As a licensed therapist, Carter added her new position serving CU “is in direct alignment with my passion for helping others.”
“I am incredibly proud to be part of a university community that continually seeks to reflect Christ-centered values while embracing our differences,” Carter said, “and building a future where everyone can learn, contribute, and thrive.”
As part of its five-year strategic plan, “Foundations for the Future,” Campbellsville University has emphasized enhancing diversity and belonging, including the establishment of a cabinet-level position for diversity and community.
“I am pleased that Dr. Michelle Carter has accepted the position of Associate Vice President for community and student success,” Dr. Joseph Hopkins, president of Campbellsville University, said.
“She has a proven record of success in this area, and we are confident that her skills and her heart for students will have a significant impact on CU and our students. Moreover, I am delighted that Dr. Carter will be joining our Cabinet as a member of the University leadership team.”
Carter came to Campbellsville University following careers in counseling services and higher education administration. She most recently served as an Interim Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at Kentucky State University. Other roles Carter served in at Kentucky State University include the Director of the Counseling Center, Mental Health Counselor, and Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Before her time at Kentucky State University, Carter had a 14-year stint at Bluegrass Community and Technical College, serving as a Regional Campus Director, the Director of TRIO Student Support Services (Danville, KY), an Educational Advisor of TRIO Educational Talent Search (Lexington, KY) and is a veteran of the United States Army.
Carter also holds teaching experience at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in First-Year Experience (FYE) and at Lindsey Wilson College in counseling practicum.
Dr. Donna Hedgepath, CU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, adds Carter possesses the necessary leadership qualities to “improve student success and nurture our community impact and service.”
“Her experiences in higher education at both private and public institutions bring an extra level of excellence that will serve students well,” Hedgepath said. “We are honored to have Dr. Carter serve in this position at Campbellsville University.”
Carter holds four degrees: an Associate of Arts from Bluegrass Community and Technical College; a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Counseling and Human Services, a Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development, both from Lindsey Wilson College; and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Eastern Kentucky University.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate, and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.