West Virginia State University (WVSU) is saddened to learn of the passing of President Emeritus Dr. Hazo W. Carter, Jr. Dr. Carter served as President of WVSU for 25 years from 1987 through 2012 and was currently serving as President Emeritus.
“Dr. Carter was a strong advocate of quality education and believed in the talents and abilities of our faculty and staff to provide West Virginia State students with the very best,” WVSU President Brian O. Hemphill said. “On behalf of the entire State family, my wife Marisela and I extend our deepest sympathies to his daughter Angela and the extended Carter family who have time and again shown their love and commitment for this University. Our thoughts and prayers are with Angela.”
Dr. Carter became the ninth President of West Virginia State College in September 1987. Shortly after becoming President, he began a 12-year quest to regain land-grant status. Due to 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 to offer graduate degrees in Biotechnology and Media Studies.
Dr. Carter came to Institute from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Ark., where he served as President from 1983-1987. Prior to that, he served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Norfolk State University from 1977-1983. He earned a Doctorate in Education from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Science from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. A native of Nashville, Tenn., he earned a Bachelor of Science from Tennessee State University.
Dr. Carter was married to the late Judge Phyllis H. Carter and is survived by their daughter Angela.
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