A native of Staunton, Virginia, Dr. Carter received his bachelor's degree from Boston University. Having taught U.S. government, world history, and English for nine years, he attended Teachers College, Columbia University, and received a doctorate in instructional and curricular practice in 1973. He has also received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Virginia State University and an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Old Dominion University.
During his fruitful career, Dr. Carter has received many honors and awards. In 1991, he was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Teachers College, Columbia University. He was presented the Annual Leadership for Learning Award in 1990 by the American Association of School Administrators. He is listed in Who's Who Among Black Americans. In 1984, 1990, and 1993, The Executive Educator magazine named him one of the top 100 Executive Educators in North America.
Dr. Carter was presented the Brotherhood Citation by the National Conference of Christians and Jews in 1985. He was also selected the Outstanding School Superintendent in Virginia in 1985 by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts based on his contribution and support of the arts in Norfolk and the Hampton Roads Opportunity in Higher Education on March 31, 1985.
Dr. Carter has written numerous articles and book chapters concentrating on education issues and topics, and he is the coauthor of The American School Superintendent: Leading in an Age of Pressure (Jossey-Bass Inc., Publishers, 1997).